"Who decides when a patient can return to driving after an injury?”
If you have ever gone through rehabilitation after a serious illness or injury you have probably asked this question “When can I get back to driving?” Driving is one of our most valued activities and return to driving can symbolize return to normalcy. It is no wonder that return to driving is an important goal.
The question of who makes the decision can be a slippery one. I have heard occupational therapists say “talk to your doctor about that” and I have heard doctors say “let’s ask the therapy team about that” and other doctors say “it’s up to the neurologist”. My goal with this article is to discuss Colorado Laws around Medical Clearance to Drive. This information can be hard to find on the DMV website and that is why we included the specifics of the law in Colorado’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families. I’ll stick to the plain language description here.
Colorado is considered a “self-report” state when it comes to medical clearance to drive. This means that there is no mandatory reporting to the DMV when someone is admitted to the hospital. Self-report usually happens during license renewal.
Every renewal applicant is asked the following question:
During the last two years, have you had any physical, mental, or emotional condition that would interfere with your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely including heart problems, diabetes, paralysis, epilepsy, seizures, lapses of consciousness or dizziness?
If you answer YES you will be required to have your medical provider complete the DR2401 Form, Confidential Medical Examination Report, before you can renew your license.
What if your license is not due for renewal?
In this case, “self-report” still applies. We always recommend that you obtain clearance from your medical provider prior to returning to driving. This gives clarity for you and your family. It also can protect you from potential liability. Remember, if a physician wrote in your medical record “Do not drive” at any point in your medical process, this will override a valid license. Even if you are feeling ‘as good as new’ be sure to have the documentation to back it up.
Your doctor may have enough information to be able to make a decision right away and clear you to begin driving again. You can request that your doctor complete the DR2401 Form, Confidential Medical Examination Report, and fax it to the DMV. As long as they mark “Fit to Drive” on the form, you have met the self-report requirement and will not need to do anything further when it comes time to renew your license.
In some cases, your doctor will request more information before making a decision about return to driving. To get objective data about driving performance, they may refer you to a driver rehabilitation specialist, like the Occupational Therapists at Fitness to Drive, for a Comprehensive Driving Evaluation. In this case, it is best if the medical provider does not complete the DR2401 until after the evaluation. At the conclusion of the comprehensive driving evaluation your doctor will be sent a full report and recommendation about DMV paperwork.
The bottom line is that it is up to your medical provider to clear you to drive. It is important to note that the DR2401 form will only be accepted by the DMV from an MD, DO, or PA (per Colorado statute). If you are a patient or a physician and you have questions about this process, please submit your question on this site or call our office at 719-231-6657.
Comments