Medical Review & Driving Concerns in Ohio: What Drivers and Families Need to Know

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Ohio BMV Medical Review Process: Driving & Medical Concerns

If you or a loved one in Ohio has a medical condition and concerns have been raised about driving safety, you are not alone—and you are not without options. Many drivers face questions about their ability to drive safely due to conditions such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, vision changes, or other health-related challenges.

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has a medical review process used to determine whether a driver can continue driving safely. While there is a formal structure to this process, it does not always unfold in a predictable or linear way, which can make it stressful for drivers and families. Support is available.

Driver Rehabilitation Specialists at Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence in Westerville, Ohio are experienced in helping drivers and families understand the process, interpret BMV requests, and make informed decisions moving forward.

How the Ohio Medical Review Process Begins

A medical review may begin when the Ohio BMV receives information suggesting a driver may be unsafe due to a medical condition. This concern can come from several sources, including:

  • A law enforcement officer

  • A physician or other healthcare provider

  • A court

  • A family member or caregiver

If the BMV determines that a review is appropriate, the driver will receive an official letter requesting medical information.

Receiving a BMV Medical Review Letter

The BMV letter typically requests completion of BMV Form 2310 – Statement of Physician. This form must be completed by a licensed medical professional and helps the BMV understand:

  • The driver’s medical condition

  • How the condition may affect driving

  • Whether the driver may be able to drive safely, with or without restrictions

Deadlines matter. If the requested medical documentation is not submitted by the specified date, the BMV may move forward with a license suspension.

In some cases, the BMV may allow additional time to submit required documentation, depending on the circumstances. However, extensions are not guaranteed, and the BMV will ultimately make a determination based on the information received.

This is often when drivers and families reach out to a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for guidance and support.

How a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist Can Help

A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is trained to evaluate how medical, physical, cognitive, or visual conditions impact driving. At DRCE’s Westerville, Ohio location, our Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can:

  • Help you understand BMV letters and requests

  • Explain what medical or functional information may be needed

  • Provide comprehensive clinical driving evaluations

  • Offer behind-the-wheel assessments when appropriate

  • Recommend adaptive equipment or training, if needed

  • Support safe driving decisions—whether that means continued driving, driving with restrictions, or planning for alternative transportation

Our role is not to make licensing decisions or override the BMV, but to support drivers and families through the process and provide clear, professional recommendations.

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Possible Outcomes After Medical Review

After reviewing medical information, the BMV may determine that:

  • No change to the driver’s license is needed

  • The driver may continue driving with medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses or other limitations)

  • Additional testing is required, such as vision screening or a driving skills test

  • The driver’s license should be suspended if safe driving cannot be supported

Each case is reviewed individually, and the Ohio BMV remains the final licensing authority.

Medical Restrictions and Limited Driving Privileges

Ohio commonly uses medical restrictions rather than issuing a separate “temporary license.” When appropriate, the BMV may issue:

  • A standard Ohio driver’s license with restrictions

  • A medical restriction card outlining specific driving limitations

In certain situations, limited or conditional driving privileges may be considered, depending on medical information and BMV discretion. These situations are case-specific and time-limited, and not all drivers will qualify.

Restrictions are intended to balance safety with independence whenever possible.

Driver Skills Testing and Re-Examinations

Some drivers may be required to complete additional testing, which can include:

  • Vision screening

  • Written knowledge testing

  • Behind-the-wheel driving tests

Driver Rehabilitation Specialists can help drivers prepare for these steps, understand expectations, and interpret results within the broader context of medical fitness to drive.

If a License Is Suspended

If required medical documentation is not submitted, or if the BMV determines that the driver does not meet medical qualifications, the license may be suspended.

While this can feel discouraging, a suspension does not always mean driving is permanently prohibited. In some cases, further medical treatment, follow-up evaluations, or reassessment may help clarify future options.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Facing questions about driving can be emotional—for drivers and families alike. At Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence in Westerville, Ohio, our Driver Rehabilitation Specialists are here to:

  • Answer questions

  • Reduce confusion and stress

  • Provide expert, compassionate guidance

  • Help drivers make informed, safety-focused decisions

Whether you are responding to a BMV letter, noticing changes in driving ability, or simply want clarity, our Westerville team is available to help guide you through the process.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you or a loved one is navigating medical driving concerns in Ohio, contact Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence – Westerville, OH to learn how a Driver Rehabilitation Specialist can support you every step of the way.