Medical Standards on Motor Vehicle Operations Division Medical Conditions

Medical conditions that may preclude driving:

General debility

Aging- Because the aging process cannot be measured chronologically, the opinion of the family physician regarding the applicant's functional capacity cannot be overestimated. This is a responsibility which the family members and/or physician should not neglect. Aging accounts for the most important organic factors contributing to driving problems.

Pulmonary diseases- Such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. In advanced stages any one or a combination of these could produce dyspnea and syncope, thus limiting the applicant's capacity to drive safely.

Malignancies- Malignancies involving the central nervous system or other vital organ systems, when causing general debility or disturbance of judgment or consciousness, should be a contraindication to the operation of any motor vehicle. The determination should be made on an individual basis with a comprehensive driving test.

Cardiovascular Diseases

The degree of disease severity should be noted utilizing the American Heart Association's functional and therapeutic classification, which is as follows:
Functional Capacities:

Class I: no symptoms

Class II: symptoms with strenuous activity

Class III: symptoms with normal activity

Class IV: symptoms at rest

Therapeutic Capacities:

Class A: no restrictions

Class B: restricted from strenuous activities

Class C: slight restrictions of normal activity

Class D: severe restriction of activity

Class E: complete bed rest

Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders constitute dangers to drivers because there exists the risk that an alteration of consciousness may occur. Neurological conditions commonly reviewed by MAB include transient cerebral ischemic attacks, cerebrovascular accident, convulsive diorders, movement disorders, narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleeping, and peripheral neuropathy.

Psychiatric Disorders

Evaluation of psychiatric disorders as they relate to the driving task is challenging because of the wide variety of disturbances, treatments and degrees of severity. The degree of symptom control and any existing side effects from prescribed medication should be considered.

Alcohol Induced Problems

Alcohol abuse associated with driving a motor vehicle has proven to be one of the greatest hazards to the motoring public.

Drug Induced Problems

In addition to considering the effects of prescription drugs, attention must also be focused upon abuse of non-prescription drugs.

Metabolic Diseases

The severity of the disease and accompanying symptoms may dictate the advisability of restriction or denial of the driving privilege. Metabolic conditions commonly reviewed by MAB include chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus.

Musculoskeletal Defects

Skeletal integrity, joint mobility and muscle strength and coordination are prerequisites for competent management of motor vehicles. The nature of the dysfunction determines the necessity of vehicle or driver adaptive devices. With a driver proficiency test the functional capacity of impaired musculoskeletal performance can be determined.

Eye Defects

Many eye diseases may allow the applicant to meet the required functional visual qualifications for the private auto. Conditions which are potentially progressive may require periodic reevaluation at the discretion of the Medical Advisory Board.

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RULES FOR: Operation of the Medical Advisory Board and the Medical Standards on Motor Vehicle Operations Division, Texas Administrative Code, Title 25. Health Services, Part 1. Texas Department of State Health Services, Chapter 1. Texas Board of Health, Medical Advisory Board