A division of driver license is a medical or vision restriction placed on your license that limits how or when you can drive
When a state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency adds a division to your license, it means you can still drive, but only under specific conditions. Common divisions include restrictions to daytime driving only, wearing corrective lenses, using an automatic transmission, or driving only within a certain distance from home. The division appears on your physical license and in the DMV's records, and law enforcement can see it during a traffic stop.
A division is different from a suspension or revocation. You keep your license and driving privileges, but with boundaries. The restriction stays in place until you meet the conditions to have it removed — usually by passing a vision test, getting a medical clearance, or completing a required course.
Key Takeaways
- A division restricts how or when you can drive but does not take away your license entirely.
- Common divisions include corrective lens requirements, daytime-only driving, and vehicle type restrictions.
- You request removal by visiting your DMV with proof that the condition no longer applies — such as a vision test result or doctor's letter.
- Driving outside the terms of your division can result in a traffic citation and may lead to license suspension.
- Some divisions are temporary and expire automatically; others remain until you take action to remove them.
Why the DMV adds a division to your license
The DMV adds a division when you fail a vision screening, report a medical condition that affects driving safety, or are ordered to do so by a court. Vision divisions are the most common — if you cannot read the eye chart without glasses or contacts, the DMV will require corrective lenses as a condition of driving. Medical divisions happen when you disclose a condition like epilepsy, severe arthritis, or hearing loss that may impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Some divisions are added automatically during a routine license renewal if you fail the vision test. Others result from a medical review — many states allow doctors to report patients with conditions that make driving unsafe, and the DMV then contacts you to schedule a medical examination or vision retest. A few divisions come from court orders, usually after a DUI conviction or a serious traffic violation.
Common types of divisions and what they mean
A corrective lens division means you must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive. The DMV will note this as "corrective lenses required" on your license. Driving without them is a violation, even if you feel you can see well enough.
A daylight-only division restricts you to driving between sunrise and sunset, or sometimes between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. This is common for older drivers or those with certain vision conditions. Driving at night with this restriction is a traffic violation.
A vehicle-type division limits you to automatic transmission vehicles or vehicles with power steering and brakes. Some states use this for drivers with limited hand strength or mobility. You cannot legally drive a manual transmission car if your license restricts you to automatic.
A distance or area division restricts you to driving within a certain radius of your home — often 5, 10, or 15 miles — or only on specific roads. This is less common but may be used after a medical event or for drivers with cognitive concerns.
A medical device division requires you to use a hearing aid, prosthetic limb, or other assistive device while driving. You must have the device with you and in working order.
How to request removal of a division
The process depends on why the division was added. If it was a vision issue, you visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist, take a vision test, and ask them to send the results to your DMV. Most states have a standard form the eye doctor completes. You then bring the form to your local DMV office, along with your license and ID, and request the division be removed.
If the division was medical, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that the condition no longer affects your driving safety, or that it has improved enough that the restriction is no longer necessary. Some states require the doctor to use a specific form. You submit this letter to your DMV, usually by mail or in person, and the DMV will review it. Some states approve the removal when ready; others schedule a follow-up medical examination.
For divisions added by court order, you may need to petition the court or show proof of completion of a required program — such as a DUI education course — before the DMV will remove it. Contact your local DMV to find out what proof they need.
Processing time varies. Vision-related removals often take one to two weeks. Medical removals can take longer if the DMV needs to schedule an examination or consult with a medical review board. Some states allow you to drive with the division in place while your request is being reviewed; others may suspend your license if you do not meet the division's terms.
What happens if you drive outside the terms of your division
Driving in violation of a division — for example, driving at night with a daylight-only restriction, or driving without required corrective lenses — is a traffic violation. A police officer can cite you during a traffic stop, and you may face a fine. The amount varies by state, but fines typically range from $50 to $300.
A violation can also trigger a license suspension or revocation, depending on your state's rules and your driving record. If you accumulate multiple violations, the DMV may suspend your license for a set period or require you to pass a new driving test before you can drive again. In some cases, a violation can result in criminal charges if it led to an accident or injury.
If you believe a division is no longer necessary, do not ignore it or drive in violation of it. Instead, follow the removal process outlined above. If you are unsure whether you can drive under certain conditions, contact your DMV before you drive.
Temporary versus permanent divisions
Some divisions are temporary and expire automatically on a set date. For example, a division added after a medical event might be set to expire in six months, at which time you can request a new vision or medical examination to determine if it should be removed. Your license document will show the expiration date if the division is temporary.
Other divisions remain in place indefinitely until you take action to remove them. A corrective lens division, for instance, will stay on your license for as long as you need glasses or contacts to see well enough to drive safely. If your vision improves — for example, after cataract surgery — you can request removal by providing updated test results.
Check your license or contact your DMV to find out whether your division is temporary or permanent, and if it is temporary, when it expires. If it expires and you do not renew it, you may lose your driving privileges.
How divisions appear on your license and in DMV records
On your physical license card, a division appears as a code or text in a specific section — usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Endorsements." For example, you might see "01" (corrective lenses), "02" (daylight driving only), or a written description like "Auto Trans Only." The exact format depends on your state.
Law enforcement can see the division when they scan your license during a traffic stop. If you are pulled over and your license has a restriction you are violating, the officer will likely cite you. Insurance companies and employers may also see divisions on your driving record, depending on what they request from the DMV.
If you are unsure what your division means or how it applies to you, contact your state's DMV directly. Many states offer phone support, and some allow you to check your license status online through a portal on the DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a division on my license?
Yes, a division allows you to drive, but only under the specific conditions listed. If your division requires corrective lenses, you can drive as long as you are wearing them. If it restricts you to daytime driving, you can drive during the day. Violating the terms of your division is a traffic violation.
How long does it take to remove a division?
Vision-related removals usually take one to two weeks after you submit the eye doctor's form. Medical removals can take longer — sometimes two to four weeks — if the DMV needs to review a doctor's letter or schedule an examination. Contact your DMV for a specific timeline in your state.
What if my doctor says I do not need the division anymore?
Ask your doctor to complete the DMV's removal form or write a letter stating that the condition no longer affects your driving safety. Bring this document to your DMV office or mail it according to your state's instructions. The DMV will review it and either remove the division or schedule a follow-up examination.
Will a division affect my insurance rates?
A division itself typically does not raise your rates, but violations of the division can. If you are cited for driving outside the terms of your division, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your premiums. Inform your insurance company if your license status changes.
Can I appeal a division if I disagree with it?
Yes, you can request a hearing or review through your DMV. If you believe the division was added in error or is no longer necessary, contact your DMV to find out how to file an appeal. You may need to provide medical or vision documentation to support your case.