The Medical Review Unit plays an important part in helping to keep WV roads safer for all drivers by evaluating the cases of drivers who have been reported to the DMV as having medical or visual conditions that could potentially impact their ability to drive safely.
When drivers are reported, the DMV will review all information received. The driver may be required to see a licensed physician or optometrist for a check-up or take the road skills test to demonstrate their ability to drive safely. As well, periodic medical and/or visual examinations and/or driver re-examination may be required of drivers who have been evaluated and deemed "at risk" by the DMV. All cases are reviewed on an individual basis to determine the appropriate course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who can report a potentially unsafe driver?
A: A DMV employee, a physician, a caretaker or a member of their immediate family. If a law enforcement officers encounters and personally observes a potentially unsafe driver, they must report it to the DMV. Immediate family members include a:
- Spouse
- Sibling
- Parent
- Son or Daughter
- Caretaker
- One who has been appointed as power of attorney. They must supply our office with the proper documentation.
Q: Can I report someone anonymously?
A: No. A driver has a right to know who is questioning their driving ability. This is also to help ensure people aren't being reported through retaliation or as a nuisance.
Q: Is there a form I need to fill out to report someone?
A: There is a form available through the DMV. However, physicians or law enforcement can submit a notice to on their letterhead. Anyone else who qualifies to report the potentially unsafe driver can simply submit a letter if they choose.
Q: Where do I send notification of a potentially unsafe driver?
A: All correspondence regarding a potentially unsafe driver should be mailed to:
WV DMV
Medical Review Unit
PO BX 17030
Charleston, WV 25317
Or fax the correspondence to 1-304-957-0323
Q: How does a doctor report their patient?
A: The doctor sends an explanation as to why the patient should not be driving. Physicians have the option of denying driving privileges or having a patient retested if necessary. The physician should include some general information about their patient (name and date of birth) so the DMV can locate their records. Their request must be on letterhead or a prescription pad form.
Q: What will happen after a potentially unsafe driver is reported to the DMV?
A: The DMV will review their file to determine whether the circumstances warrant a driver re-examination, or a suspension of driving privileges. If more information is needed on the medical condition, the DMV may require a medical report form completed by their attending physician(s).
Q: How long does a person have to be seizure free before they can resume driving?
A: Drivers with a diagnosis of seizures or loss of consciousness must provide the DMV with written documentation from an appropriate physician stating that no episode of seizure or loss of consciousness has occurred for at least six months, and that the individual is medically safe to drive.
If approved for licensing, individuals will be held responsible for maintaining follow-up appointments with their physicians, as well as providing the DMV with any requested documentation.
Q. What are the current vision requirements?
A. West Virginia's vision acuity requirement is 20/40. Someone whose vision is between 20/40 and 20/60 will be reviewed on a case by case basis. That person would be required to submit a vision report form, completed by their optometrist/ophthalmologist, to the DMV for review.