Oklahoma

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

Yes. Applicants for a new driver’s license are required to complete a medical questionnaire which asks the applicant if he or she has diabetes (along with a number of other medical conditions). Applicants are also asked if they have any other physical or mental conditions that can interfere with their ability to operate a motor vehicle. Applicants who answer “Yes” to either of these questions must have a medical evaluation form fill ed out by their physician. Applicants for license renewals are not asked questions about their medical conditions.

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, and does not investigate reports before the driver is contacted and required to have a medical examination. 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, when applying to renew a license that has been expired for more than three years, and when applying for handicapped parking permits.

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 this happens, an evaluation form is sent to the individual, which must be completed by his or her physician. The medical evaluation form has a section for diabetes, which asks the physician for the date of onset of diabetes, the current status of control, and whether the individual is taking insulin or other medications for diabetes. The physician is also asked whether the individual experiences insulin reactions and, if so, the date of the last reaction and whether it resulted in a loss of consciousness. Finally, the physician is asked to provide a

medical/professional judgment regarding whether the patient’s condition is controlled and whether the patient is physically and mentally capable of operating a motor vehicle safely. 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 treating physician).

Who makes decisions about whether drivers are medically qualified?

Cases involving diabetes are frequently referred to the state’s medical advisory board, which is a part of the licensing agency. Cases referred to the board are decided on the recommendation of a single member of the board (who is a medical consultant employed by the licensing agency).

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

Yes. Where a question has been raised about the safety of an individual with diabetes, that individual must submit proof from a physician that the disease is under reasonable control without either hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic reactions severe enough to impair driving ability. Future periodic medical reports may be required. Drivers who use insulin will have a restriction placed on their license requiring them to have food, fruit or candy within their reach.

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

Oklahoma’s diabetes standards do not specify a minimum episode-free period. However, the standards for epilepsy and other neurological conditions that can result in loss of consciousness state that the driver is allowed to maintain a license if the he or she has been episode-free for six months and receives a favorable recommendation from a physician. This period can be waived if there is proof that the episode was an isolated occurrence that is not likely to be repeated.

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

The individual has a right to an administrative review by the department. If unfavorable, the administrative decision may be appealed to the district 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.

Resources

Driver licensing in Oklahoma is administered by the state Department of Public Safety.