Every driver in the province must meet basic medical requirements to drive. The requirements state that you don’t have any medical conditions that impact your driving ability – if they do, it could lead to a licence suspension.
Drivers must meet specific guidelines to obtain and maintain their license, including vision, hearing, and medical requirements. For commercial drivers, additional standards apply.
Learn more about medical suspensions, legal standards, and what to expect with your car insurance if anything should happen.
In Ontario, Canada, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has established stringent medical license standards to ensure drivers are physically and mentally fit to operate vehicles. Whether you are renewing your Ontario licence or beginning the graduated driver’s licencing system, you must not suffer from any mental, emotional, nervous, or physical disability that may interfere with driving.
Depending on the type of licence you hold, there are some different rules to consider:
If you fall under this category, it's important to note that professionals like physicians, optometrists, and nurse practitioners must inform the government of any high-risk medical, vision, or functional condition that could hinder your driving ability.
Additionally, occupational therapists can report these conditions at their discretion. As a prerequisite for obtaining or renewing your licence, it's imperative that you do not have any of the following conditions:
You must pass a vision test when applying for a G1 or M1 to drive. Your vision will be screened with both eyes open, with or without the aid of glasses or contact lenses.
To apply for a vision waiver, your peripheral vision must meet a standard determined by the ministry. To be eligible for the waiver, you can’t have more than six demerit points, not have specific convictions within five years, and meet all qualifications for your license glass. You’ll also have to provide a satisfactory medical report and a vision assessment from an optometrist.
Those with hearing impairments or hearing loss can still obtain their G licence or M class. They can have a hearing coach for any testing too. You will need to submit a medical report before any testing.
You can learn more about the basic medical standards on the HTA’s Ontario Regulation 340/94.
If you get a medical condition while you have an Ontario driver’s license, your driver's license will get suspended due to the medical condition(s). Doctors are legally required to report anyone over 16 who they believe cannot safely drive due to a medical condition to the MTO. Once the health professional receives the report, it will be reviewed, and a decision will be made. If it is decided that you cannot drive due to medical reasons, you will receive a medical suspension. There will be a letter provided that will outline how to get your licence reinstated.
You will receive a letter in the mail outlining the reason for suspension and how to get your licence back. You’ll need to see your family doctor or a specialist depending on the cause.
For example, if it is a heart issue, you will need to see a cardiologist, or if it’s a vision problem, you’ll need to see an optometrist. When you arrive at your appointment, bring your letter from the MTO. Once the MTO receives the information, they will choose if your licence can get reinstated, and if there are no other medical related reasons to prevent you from driving.
A driver’s medical health is not a factor in rate prices. However, convictions, tickets and fines, can impact how much you pay for Ontario car insurance. When comparing coverage options, you must confirm you are qualified to hold a licence, which includes mental and physical fitness.
Even if you have a medical suspension, you can be charged a minimum of $1,000 and receive a six-month licence suspension after the medical suspension has been lifted. There is also the risk of imprisonment. Being caught can also increase your insurance rate and require you to get high risk insurance.
To streamline the process, physicians and health practitioners now have the option to submit completed medical reports to the Ministry of Transportation's Driver Medical Review office online. You can also submit your form in person and by mail.
As a commercial driver, you will be assessed against the national medical standards outlined by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
As of 2018, Ontario has stopped disclosing a medical suspension on your driving record. This change was in response to a complaint – previously, it would stay on your abstract for three years. Under the new rules, it will be removed once the medical suspension has been served.
Farm equipment meets the rules and regulations of commercial vehicles – if you have a medical suspension, you likely cannot drive farm vehicles.
Following rigorous medical license standards and having proper Ontario car insurance ensures safe driving for all. Stay updated with the latest regulations and seek advice from medical professionals to prioritize your well-being and keep the roads safe.
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Tags | Auto Coverage |
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