Nevada

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

Yes. The driver’s license application (first time and renewal) asks whether the applicant has any disabilities or illnesses, or takes any medications, that could affect his or her driving ability. If an applicant answers “Yes” to this question, he or she must describe the conditions, illnesses or medications, and may be required to have a physician complete a medical evaluation form. The application also asks whether the individual has ever been diagnosed with diabetes and, if so, whether the individual wants a colored frame placed around his or her photograph on the license to alert law enforcement personnel that he or she has diabetes.

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 state accepts reports of potentially unsafe drivers from: police officers, the courts, other state agencies, physicians, family members, friends, other citizens and hospitals. The licensing agency does not accept anonymous reports, nor does it investigate any of the referral sources before it contacts the driver for possible evaluation. 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 if they are involved in a crash that results in a fatality.

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 may require the individual to have a medical evaluation. When this happens, an evaluation form is sent to the individual, which must be completed by his or her physician. The medical evaluation form asks about the nature of the individual’s condition, whether it can affect safe driving, medications the individual is taking and whether they can affect safe driving, and the date of the last episode of loss of consciousness or dizzy spells. The physician is also asked to indicate whether the individual can safely operate a motor vehicle under the physician’s current plan of treatment; and what kinds of licensing restrictions are recommended. Medical evaluation forms are returned to the licensing agency for review and a licensing decision. If the physician’s opinion on the individual’s ability to drive safely is unfavorable, the license will generally be suspended or cancelled.

Who makes decisions about whether drivers are medically qualified?

Decisions are made by licensing agency personnel. Nevada’s medical review program is administered by non-medical administrative staff who generally follow the recommendations of the individual’s physician. Nevada does not have an independent medical advisory board.

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

Yes. If an individual suffers from any condition which can cause loss of consciousness, including diabetes or complications related to diabetes, and if there is documented evidence through medical examinations or reports in addition to appropriate agency evaluations and examinations which indicate the disorder would severely impair the person’s ability to operate safely a motor vehicle, the Department will not issue or renew the license. However, the existence of diabetes does not automatically preclude the person from obtaining a license if the condition is not severe enough to impair driving ability:

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

Any person who experienced a lapse of consciousness within the last three years as a result of diabetes or another medical condition must have a medical evaluation by a physician. The department will not issue a license until the applicant has been seizure free for three months, unless a physician certifies the episode was an isolated event that is unlikely to recur.

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

The licensee has 30 days after the effective date of a suspension, revocation, cancellation, denial of an application, or imposition of a restricted license to request a hearing before z hearing officer. If the licensee does not request a hearing until after the 30-day period, the agency, in its discretion, may grant the request.

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

No.

Is an identification card available for non-drivers?

Yes, with proper identification and payment of a fee. If the individual surrenders the license due to medical reasons, the fee is waived.

Resources

Driver licensing in Nevada is administered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles.