IN
North Carolina cannot deny permits based solely on disability diagnoses. The NCDMV Medical Review Program evaluates functional driving ability, not medical labels.
North Carolina requires a medical review for applicants with conditions that may affect safe driving. Submit Form DL-78 Physical Exam Report from a licensed physician to the NCDMV Medical Review unit.
| Situation | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Test accommodation | Support for taking the knowledge or other DMV test; it does not automatically mean Medical Review is required. |
| Medical Review | NCDMV may review a medical condition when it could affect safe driving. |
| Vision review | A failed vision screening may require a vision report; detailed vision standards belong in the vision guide. |
| Adaptive-equipment restriction | NCDMV may place a restriction when specific equipment or driving conditions are required. |
Durham: ADA approval had expired before the appointment date. Supervisor granted a one-session extension on the spot; full reapproval required before next visit. North Carolina tip: Check your ADA approval expiry date well before rescheduling.
No. Medical Review is used when NCDMV has reason to believe a medical condition may affect safe driving. A diagnosis by itself does not mean every applicant follows the same Medical Review process.
Yes. When needed, NCDMV Medical Review may request an occupational-therapy evaluation, including a behind-the-wheel assessment, to determine whether the applicant can drive safely or needs specific restrictions.
Contact your local NCDMV driver license office at least two weeks before your appointment to request accommodations. Bring written documentation from a licensed physician or psychologist.
Book accommodations through online appointment 'Special Needs' fields. A Greensboro DMV turned away walk-ins without pre-scheduled extended time, causing 3-week delays.
Find additional accommodation forms and substance abuse documentation through Medical Review Forms page.
Download the driver handbook for full permit rules and study materials.
Bioptic drivers must submit Form DL-77BT from a vision specialist. Other adaptive equipment requires documentation and may result in a restricted license with specific equipment conditions listed.
| Restriction or Equipment | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|
| Corrective lenses | Requires glasses or contacts while driving. |
| Daylight driving only | Limits driving to daylight when NCDMV requires it. |
| Hand controls or other adaptive equipment | Allows driving with equipment approved for the applicant. |
| Other medical restrictions | NCDMV can list condition-specific restrictions on the credential. |
CDRS specialists train drivers on adaptive equipment before testing. Behind-the-wheel examiners evaluate competency with required devices during road tests.
Yes. NCDMV can require periodic medical review and updated documentation when continued monitoring is needed. Follow the review schedule listed in any Medical Review notice or restriction paperwork you receive.
Apply at any North Carolina NCDMV driver license office. Medical review cases may take several weeks for approval. Do not schedule driving practice until your permit is officially approved.
Standard permit fees, test scores, documents, and retake rules are the same unless NCDMV gives the applicant a specific accommodation or medical requirement. Use the dedicated permit-test, document, and retake guides for those general rules; bring any medical approval or restriction paperwork NCDMV has required for your case.
Check medical approval letter expiration dates before appointments. A Raleigh applicant's 90-day clearance expired one week early, forcing process restarts.
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