ANSWERS . . .

I am very concerned about an elderly family member's ability to drive safely. He lives alone in Florida and we live in another state. We have received numerous calls from concerned neighbors advising us of near accidents when he's been driving. Who can help us?

The Division of Driver Licenses is very interested in your concern. Any physician, person or agency who knows of any licensed driver's or applicant's mental or physical disability to drive or need to obtain or to wear a medical identification bracelet is authorized to report this to the DHSMV. The report should be made in writing giving the full name, date of birth, address and a description of the alleged physical or mental disability of any person over 15 years of age that could affect the driving ability. Form #72190 may be used to report these concerns. These reports are confidential and shall be used only to determine the qualifications of the individual to operate a motor vehicle on Florida's highways. No civil or criminal action may be brought against any physician, person or agency for providing this information.

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I am a diabetic and wear a medical identification. A friend told me that I could have something put on my driver license about it, can I?

Your friend is well informed. The Division of Driver Licenses can place an indicator on your license and record to show that you are required to wear a medical identification bracelet while operating a motor vehicle. Go to your local driver license office to have this done.

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I have cataracts and my eye doctor recently advised that I need surgery in both eyes. As a result, I will not be able to drive for about six months. He said he will notify the Division of Driver Licenses that I'm not capable of driving due to my eyesight problem and they will take away my driver license temporarily. What do I do to get my driver license back when I can see properly after the surgery?

To reinstate your driving privilege, please submit a "Report of Eye Examination," completed by your eye doctor, showing your vision acuity meets the Florida requirements for licensure. You may also obtain the "Report of Eye Examination" HSMV 72010 form from your local driver license office This report can be mailed to:

The Bureau of Driver Improvement
Vision Section
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 87
Tallahassee, Florida 32339-0570

You will then receive a letter from the Division of Driver Licenses, which you will take to any driver license office in your area to obtain a driver license.

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What if DHSMV requests a vision report and I fail to submit it?

If you fail to submit a vision report upon request by DHSMV, your driver license will be revoked. You must submit a report of eye exam to a Florida Driver License Office and may be licensed if minimum vision standards are met. Minimum vision acuity in both eyes must be 20/70 or better with corrective lens. If record states "Inadequate/Field of Vision," then a vision report, including a "Field of Vision Chart" must be mailed to:

The Bureau of Driver Improvement
Vision Section
2900 Apalachee Parkway, MS 87
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0507

The Medical Board will review the chart and advise the department. The department will advise you of the decision.

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What if DHSMV requests a medical a report and I fail to submit it?

Your driver license will be revoked. If requested by DHSMV to submit a medical report, you must mail the required medical information to:

The Bureau of Driver Improvement
Medical Section
2900 Apalachee Parkway - MS 86
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0570

The Medical Board will make a recommendation to the department and the department will advise you of the decision.

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I've been denied a license due to medical reasons (seizures, neurological conditions). What can I do?

Because every medical condition is different, the best option is to contact our Medical Review Section at 850/617-3814. Each case will be evaluated and you'll be advised of the necessary procedures.

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