Alaska

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Are applicants for a driver’s license asked questions about diabetes?

License applicants (first time or renewal) are asked two questions about the presence of medical conditions. The first question asks whether the applicant has any physical impairment; if answering yes, the applicant must describe the impairment. If a driver indicates that he or she has a physical impairment, then the licensing agency issues any restrictions on the last license, if the impairment occurred before the last license was issued. If the physical impairment occurred after the last license was issued, the driver may be required to take a road test, depending on the impairment. The second question asks whether the applicant has during the past five years suffered from seizures, fainting or dizzy spells (among other conditions). If an applicant answers “Yes” to this question, he or she cannot be licensed without obtaining a physician’s statement (see below).

What other ways does the state have to find out about people who may not be able to drive safely because of a medical condition?

The licensing agency accepts reports of potentially unsafe drivers from police officers, the courts, family, friends, other citizens and hospitals. Anonymous reports are not accepted, and reports must be specific and show that the individual making the report has witnessed the driver’s actions. Drivers may also be required to have a medical evaluation if they have impairments which are observed by licensing agency personnel during the licensing process, or when they apply for a handicapped parking permit.

What is the process for medical evaluations of drivers?

When the licensing agency has reason to believe a driver may be medically unsafe, either because the driver gave positive answers to medical questions on the license application or because of a report from one of the other sources listed above, it will require the individual to have a medical evaluation. When a medical evaluation is required, a form is given to the individual, which must be completed by his or her physician. On the medical evaluation form, physicians are asked to provide a diagnosis and to state whether the condition is improving, stable, worsening, or subject to change; whether the patient is under a controlled medical program; whether the patient adheres to the medical regimen; and what medications are currently being prescribed and whether the side effects interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The form contains no specific questions about diabetes. Physicians are asked to indicate whether authorization of a driving privilege is medically prudent. In addition, the physician is asked to indicate what medical restrictions are necessary for operating a motor vehicle. Completed forms are sent back to the licensing agency, which then makes a decision on the driver’s qualifications. Periodic reexaminations or medical statements may be required.

Who makes decisions about whether drivers are medically qualified?

Licensing agency personnel make licensing decisions based on the doctor’s recommendation and state medical standards. The agency accepts most physicians’ recommendations; however, a second opinion may be required if the physician’s recommendation seems to endanger the driving public or is against medical standards. Alaska does not have an independent medical advisory board.

Has the state adopted specific policies about whether people with diabetes are allowed to drive?

No. Alaska has no specific policies about licensing of drivers with diabetes other than its loss of consciousness policy (see below).

What is the state’s policy about episodes of altered consciousness or loss of consciousness that may be due to diabetes?

For seizure disorders or uncontrolled episodes of loss of control, an original applicant must obtain a physician’s statement that he or she has been episode-free for at least six months, that the condition is under control and the applicant can safely operate a motor vehicle. Renewal applicants must indicate when the last episode occurred, and are not issued a license if the episode occurred within the past six months. Medical evaluation forms are required for renewal applicants who have had episodes more than six months but less than five years ago, but are not required for episodes that occurred more than five years in the past

What is the process for appealing a decision of the state regarding a driver’s license?

An individual has a right to an administrative hearing, which must be requested within 10 days by submitting a “Request for Administrative Hearing” form. If the hearing results in a suspension, denial, revocation, or limitation, the individual may, within 30 days, file an appeal for judicial review in superior court.

May an individual whose license is suspended or denied because of diabetes receive a probationary or restricted license?

Yes, vision restrictions may be imposed as directed by a physician.

Is an identification card available for non-drivers?

Yes, with proper identification.

Resources

Driver licensing in Alaska is administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles within the State Department of Administration.