What Oregon's Driver License Division Does With Medical Information
Oregon's Driver License Division (part of the Department of Transportation) does not automatically pull medical records or vision test results from your doctor. Instead, the division uses a reporting system where doctors, eye care providers, and sometimes the public can report conditions that may affect driving safety — and Oregon law requires certain medical professionals to report specific conditions to the state.
When you renew your license or explore for a new one, Oregon asks you to disclose certain medical conditions on your process. The division then decides whether you need to take a vision test, a driving test, or both before they will issue or renew your license. If you report a condition — or if a medical provider reports one on your behalf — the division may contact you to schedule an evaluation.
The division's goal is to keep unsafe drivers off the road while allowing people with managed conditions to drive legally. How they handle your case depends on what condition is reported, how recent the report is, and what documentation you can provide about your current health.
Key Takeaways
- Oregon law requires certain medical professionals to report conditions like seizures, loss of consciousness, and severe vision problems directly to the Driver License Division.
- You must disclose medical conditions on your license process, and lying about them can result in license suspension or criminal charges.
- The division may require a vision test, a behind-the-wheel driving test, or a medical evaluation before renewing or issuing your license.
- If the division suspends your license for medical reasons, you can request a hearing and provide updated medical documentation to challenge the decision.
- Oregon's medical review process typically takes several weeks, and you may be allowed to drive during the review period depending on the condition reported.
Which Medical Conditions Oregon Requires Doctors to Report
Oregon Revised Statutes section 807.105 lists the conditions that medical professionals must report to the Driver License Division. These include seizure disorders, unexplained loss of consciousness, severe or progressive neurological conditions, and certain psychiatric conditions if the person poses a danger to themselves or others while driving.
Eye care providers must report vision that cannot be corrected to 20/40 or better in at least one eye, or a visual field defect that affects safe driving. Physicians must also report conditions that cause sudden incapacity — such as severe sleep apnea, untreated diabetes with frequent hypoglycemic episodes, or cardiac arrhythmias — if the condition is likely to cause sudden loss of consciousness or control while driving.
The reporting requirement applies to licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and optometrists. They report to the division, not to you, though many will tell you they are making the report. The division then contacts you to arrange an evaluation.
What Happens When a Medical Report Reaches the Division
Once the Driver License Division receives a medical report, they send you a letter asking you to contact them within a set timeframe — usually 10 to 14 days. The letter explains what condition was reported and what the division needs from you: either a vision test, a medical evaluation form completed by your doctor, or a behind-the-wheel driving test.
You are not automatically suspended during this process. In most cases, you can continue to drive while the division reviews the report, unless the condition is severe enough that the division issues an when ready suspension order. If that happens, the letter will tell you so, and you can request a hearing before the suspension takes effect.
The division may ask your doctor to complete a Medical Evaluation Form (DMV 735) that asks specific questions about your condition, your treatment, and whether you are safe to drive. Your doctor fills this out and returns it to the division. You do not have to pay for this form, though your doctor's office may charge you for the appointment time.
Vision Testing and Renewal Requirements
Oregon requires all drivers to pass a vision screening when they renew their license. The screening tests whether you can see 20/40 or better in at least one eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test.
If you fail the vision screening, the division will not renew your license until you pass. You can retake the test at any Driver License Division office. If you cannot pass even with corrective lenses, the division may restrict your license to daytime driving only, or they may deny renewal and suspend your driving privileges.
If a medical provider has reported a vision problem, the division may require you to have an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results to your renewal appointment. The exam must show your current vision and any visual field defects. This is different from the standard vision screening — it is a full clinical evaluation.
How to Respond to a Medical Report or Suspension
If you receive a letter from the Driver License Division about a medical report, read it carefully to see what they are asking for. If they want a vision test, you can schedule one at any division office. If they want a medical evaluation form, contact your doctor's office and ask them to complete DMV 735 and send it to the address listed in the division's letter.
If your license is suspended for medical reasons, you have the right to request a hearing. The letter will explain how to request one — usually by calling the division or submitting a written request within 10 days. At the hearing, you can present medical documentation showing that your condition is controlled, that you are safe to drive, or that the report was inaccurate.
Bring recent medical records, test results, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. If you have been treated for the condition since the report was made, bring documentation of that treatment. The hearing officer will review all the evidence and decide whether to reinstate your license, keep it suspended, or impose restrictions like daytime-only driving.
Lying About Medical Conditions on Your process
Oregon law makes it illegal to knowingly provide false information about your medical condition on a driver license process. If you check "no" to a medical condition you actually have, and the division later discovers the truth, they can suspend your license and may refer you for criminal prosecution.
The penalty for falsifying a medical disclosure can include license suspension for up to one year, fines, and in some cases criminal charges. More importantly, if you cause an accident while driving with an undisclosed condition, your insurance may deny your claim, and you could face civil liability.
If your condition has changed since your last process — for example, you have had surgery, started new medication, or your symptoms have improved — you can contact the division and update your information voluntarily. This is much safer than waiting for a medical provider to report you.
Restrictions and Special Licenses After Medical Review
The Driver License Division may not always suspend your license outright. Instead, they may issue a restricted license that allows you to drive under certain conditions. Common restrictions include daytime driving only, no freeway driving, driving only within a certain distance from home, or driving only with a medical alert device in the vehicle.
If you have a condition that affects your ability to operate standard vehicle controls — such as limited use of your hands or legs — the division can issue a license that requires you to drive a vehicle with adaptive equipment. You will need to pass a behind-the-wheel test in a vehicle equipped with the modifications you plan to use.
Restrictions are reviewed periodically. You may be able to request that a restriction be lifted if your condition improves or if you can provide new medical documentation showing you are safe to drive without the restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while the division is reviewing a medical report about me?
In most cases, yes. The division does not automatically suspend your license when a report arrives. You can continue to drive unless the division sends you a suspension order, which happens only if the reported condition is severe. If you do receive a suspension order, you can request a hearing before it takes effect.
What if my doctor disagrees with the medical report that was filed about me?
You can ask your doctor to submit a written statement to the division explaining their opinion. Include this statement when you respond to the division's letter. The division will consider both the original report and your doctor's response when making a decision.
How long does it take for the division to make a decision after I submit my medical information?
The division typically takes two to four weeks to review medical documentation and make a decision. During this time, you can usually continue to drive. If the division needs more information from your doctor, the process may take longer.
If my license is suspended for medical reasons, can I get a temporary permit to drive to work or medical appointments?
Oregon does not issue temporary medical permits during a suspension. However, you can request a hearing and ask the hearing officer to impose a restricted license instead of a full suspension. A restricted license may allow you to drive for work or medical treatment.
Do I have to tell the division if my condition gets worse after my license is renewed?
Yes. If your condition worsens significantly — for example, if you have a seizure after reporting that you had not had one in years — you should contact the division and report the change. You can also ask your doctor to report it. Driving with a condition you know has worsened is illegal and dangerous.