To drive safely you need to see well and be in reasonably good health. Utah tests your vision at the office. For other health conditions, the law makes you responsible for reporting anything that could affect your driving.
Vision required to pass the vision test
Handbook p. 29 ↗Peripheral (side) vision required in at least one eye
Handbook p. 29 ↗Know the rule
If you can't meet the standard with or without glasses, you must bring a statement from your eye doctor before your application can be completed. It should list your vision conditions and any suggested restrictions.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Know the rule
A vision test is required on every application processed in a field office. Everyone 65 and older must pass a vision test with every license application.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Know the rule
Since 1979, Utah law has made you personally responsible for being in reasonably good health when you drive. If a condition may affect safe driving, you must report it to the Driver License Division and seek medical advice.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Know the rule
A physician cannot restrict anyone's driving but must report accurately on the patient's health. That report may lead to a restricted license or, sometimes, a denial.
Handbook p. 29 ↗Driver License Medical Advisory Board
Set up by the legislature to advise physicians and the division. It stresses your functional ability to drive safely rather than your impairments.
Handbook p. 29 ↗The board's guidelines cover 11 health categories:
- (A) Diabetes and metabolic conditions
- (B) Cardiovascular (heart)
- (C) Pulmonary (lung)
- (D) Neurologic (nervous system)
- (E) Seizures and other episodic conditions
- (F) Learning, memory, and communication disorders
- (G) Mental health
- (H) Alcohol and other drugs; (I) Visual disorders
- (J) Musculoskeletal abnormality or chronic debility
- (K) Alertness or sleep disorders
Know the rule
If you report a health concern, you take a Functional Ability Evaluation form to your healthcare provider. The division then may issue a license based on set levels of driving risk, sometimes with restrictions. The Medical Advisory Board may review some cases.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
Many medications cause drowsiness; a physician may advise you not to drive until a safe dosage is worked out. You have the final responsibility for knowing your abilities.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Know the rule
The guidelines require higher fitness standards for commercial drivers than for private vehicles.
Handbook p. 30 ↗Put it into practice
You can't read highway signs at a distance. The division may consider you unsafe to drive and could issue a restricted license, for example daylight only, instead of a full one.