North Carolina

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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 the applicant whether he or she has ever suffered from diabetes (along with certain other medical conditions). All applicants who indicate that they have diabetes must have a medical evaluation form fill ed out by their physician.

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, physicians, family members, friends, other citizens and hospitals. The licensing agency does not accept anonymous reports. Drivers may also be required to have a medical evaluation if they are involved in a crash where a medical condition may have played a role or if they have impairments which are observed by licensing agency personnel during the licensing process.

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 the physician about the individual’s diagnosis and treatment, the date of onset of diabetes, whether the individual has experienced severe hypoglycemia within the past year, whether the individual is accepting of the physician’s instructions and compliant with treatment, whether the individual has any complications from diabetes that would interfere with driving, and whether the individual is aware of the early signs of hypoglycemia and responds appropriately to them. The physician is also asked to give an opinion as to whether the individual shoulddrive, to specify whether follow-up medical examinations should be required, and to recommend appropriate licensing restrictions. Medical evaluation forms are returned to the licensing agency for review and a licensing decision. Periodic follow-up medical evaluations may be required on the recommendation of the licensing agency.

Who makes decisions about whether drivers are medically qualified?

All cases involving medical conditions are referred to physicians who work as medical advisors to the licensing agency and who make licensing decisions based on the medical information provided. If an individual’s physician recommends that the individual should not drive, the agency will generally follow this recommendation.

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

Yes. Individuals with diabetes may drive if there condition is under control, but may not drive if the condition is uncontrolled. The primary indicator of whether a condition is controlled is whether the individual has experienced episodes of loss of consciousness or hypoglycemia (see below). Individuals with diabetes must have follow-up medical evaluations every two to four years, depending on age and time since diagnosis.

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

An individual may not drive if he or she has experienced one or more hypoglycemic reaction, episodes of loss of consciousness, or altered mental status in the preceding 6-12 months.

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

When a license is denied or restricted, the individual is entitled to a hearing before the state’s medical review board, which consists of physicians employed by the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. A request for a hearing must be made in writing and filed within 10 days of receipt of denial. The decision of the medical review board may be appealed to the superior court.

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.

Resources

Driver licensing in North Carolina is administered by the Division of Motor Vehicles within the State Department of Transportation.