Driver compliance at-risk drivers

An at-risk driver is one who no can longer safely operate a motor vehicle.

Age alone does not make someone an at-risk driver. Some health problems that may affect driving ability are:

Seizure or loss of consciousness.
Stroke or arthritis.
- Inability to tightly grip a steering wheel, reduced physical strength, inability to easily move foot from gas to brake pedal, inability to look over shoulder.
Various forms of dementia.
- Reduced ability to react quickly and decisively to traffic conditions and confusion.
Severe eye ailment.
-  Lessened ability to focus on object and shift focus quickly, lessened ability to focus on fine details, reduced peripheral vision, poor night vision, sensitivity to glare, weakened depth perception.
Medication side effects or drug interactions (including over the counter).
- Drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle relaxation.
Hearing loss
- Inability to hear high-pitched sounds, hearing loss that leads to inattentive driving, poorly maintained or incorrectly worn hearing aids.
Catastrophic or chronic disease, such as Parkinson’s.

Reporting at-risk drivers

If you are concerned someone you know can no longer safely operate a motor vehicle, you may request that Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) evaluate the at-risk driver. If you are related to the driver, your statement is confidential. Your identity will not be shared with the driver unless ordered by a court of law. Use the Request for examination of driver (PS31924) from or send a letter to DVS and include the information below.

Your request must include:

Driver’s full name and date of birth. Include their driver’s license number if known.
Explanation of why you believe the driver is an at-risk driver. Include description of medical condition if known.
Your name, address and phone number.

Send your request to:

Driver and Vehicle Services
Attn: Medical Unit
445 Minnesota St., Suite 170
St. Paul, MN 55101-5170

Driver evaluation

DVS will schedule an appointment for the at-risk driver with a driver evaluator. The at-risk driver will receive a letter with the date and time of the appointment.

After the interview is concluded, the evaluator may require the at-risk driver to submit a written physician’s or vision statement and pass a driver's license test (knowledge and road).

If it is determined that the at-risk driver must surrender his or her driver's license, the at-risk driver is still eligible for a Minnesota identification card.

Note: If the at-risk driver fails to respond to the letter or keep the appointment, their driving privileges may be canceled.

Driver evaluation phone: 651-296-2025.