With road safety a top priority for Ontarians, it’s important for the government to ensure people are healthy enough to be behind the wheel. When you receive any licence, some guidelines must be followed. These guidelines take place before you get your licence and, in some cases, must be followed even after you’ve been driving for years. Different standards must also be met depending on the vehicle licence. Read below to access our guide on vision, hearing and medical standards for Ontario drivers, including commercial drivers.
What are the medical standards for those with Class G and M licences?
If you’re an everyday driver, which most people reading this probably are, then this part is for you! This is for all drivers with a Class G or M (motorcycle) licence. In Ontario, all drivers must meet basic medical standards to operate a car or motorcycle. Professionals, such as physicians, optometrists and nurse practitioners, are all required to report to the government if you have a high-risk medical, vision or functional condition that can impair your driving. In addition, occupational therapists are authorized to report these conditions. When applying for or obtaining a licence, you must not have any of the following:
- Medical or emotional disability that can significantly interfere with your driving
- A physical disability that can significantly interfere with your driving
- An addiction to alcohol or drugs to a point where it is likely to interfere with your driving
In addition to these basic medical standards for Ontario drivers, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators also publishes standards used in licensing decisions.
Vision standards for Class G & M drivers
To get a licence for a car or motorcycle, there are also some mandatory vision standards you must meet. To start, everyone who applies for a G1 or M1 licence must take a vision test with and without glasses. These standards are assessed using a visual acuity test with the Snellen chart. Your vision must not be poorer than 20/50! Additionally, there’s a requirement of ‘a horizontal visual field of at least 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian, and at least 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation.’ If the peripheral standards are not met, you may be eligible for a vision waiver.
Hearing standards for Class G & M drivers
A common misconception about the hearing standards for G and M drivers is that hearing-impaired drivers are unable to drive. However, people with hearing impairments or hearing loss can still obtain both a G and an M-class licence. During the testing process, you can include a hearing coach. In fact, many hearing-impaired drivers are considered to be more cautious while on the road due to their impairment.
Medical reports and licence suspensions
Sometimes, the government may receive reports from certain individuals about your ability to drive. These reports generally come from professionals, such as:
- A registered physician
- Nurse practitioner
- Therapists
- Optometrists
- Police officers
Most cases are reviewed and evaluated by the government to determine whether they meet national medical standards and the medical standards for Ontario drivers in the Highway Traffic Act. However, more serious or complex cases may be reviewed by the Medical Advisory Committee, a panel of experts and medical professionals in the fields of:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
- Internal, rehabilitation, geriatric and addiction medications
This process may take up to 15 business days; after that, we will determine whether you are medically fit to be on the road. If you are deemed unfit to drive, you will receive a ‘Notice of Suspension’ in the mail. You will also receive a letter outlining the steps to take and the medical information needed to get your licence back.
How can I reinstate my licence after a suspension?
Reinstating a suspended licence can differ, depending on why it was suspended in the first place. However, it is always reconsidered once you have sent in the requested medical information and it has been reviewed. These reviews come on a first-come, first-served basis. Once received, they take about 15 business days to review. After review, they will decide if your licence can be reinstated and if you meet the medical standards. Other outcomes may include a downgrade of the commercial licence, a new road test, or a functional assessment. You may also need to provide additional medical information.
You can appeal a medical suspension (excluding vision) or a medical downgrade of a commercial licence. This is done by filing an appeal with the Licence Appeal Tribunal and paying a fee. The tribunal can confirm, change, or reverse the decision. These decisions in medical cases can be appealed to the Superior Court of Justice within 30 days from the decision date. Until the appeal is heard, your licence will remain suspended.
What is a functional assessment?
A functional assessment is a full medical assessment that includes an on-road evaluation. A qualified driving instructor and a therapist do it. You may need to perform a functional assessment if you are deemed medically unfit to drive. This can include a neurological condition, a physical disability, or a cognitive impairment. If you are required to undergo an assessment, the Ministry of Transportation will send you a letter. This letter will also include a list of approved functional assessment centres in your area.
Can you access driver medical review services online?
Yes! All medical review services are available online through the Ontario website. However, this only works if you have been contacted and assigned a case number. Once you register, you will be able to:
- Access your case
- Submit your driver’s medical review documents
- Ask questions related to your case
The website is also set up to send you an email when your questions have been answered or your case has been reviewed.
What are the medical standards for commercial drivers with a Class A, B, C, D, E or F licence?
Vision standards for commercial drivers
When it comes to tractor-trailer, school bus and city bus drivers, there are a few things to consider when obtaining a licence when it comes to your vision. All of the above vision standards for G and M drivers apply, except there are some additions and slight changes:
- Must have a visual acuity that is not poorer than 20/30 with both eyes open
- If you wear glasses, you must have 20/100 in your weaker eye, with or without them on
- A horizontal visual field with both eyes open of at least 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal median
- A horizontal visual field with both eyes open of at least 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation
Hearing standards (applies to B, C, E, and F licensed drivers)
Generally speaking, most people with hearing disabilities can still drive throughout Canada! However, there are exceptions if you drive vehicles such as buses, ambulances, or smaller trucks. If you have hearing that is better in one ear than in the other and wish to drive one of these vehicles, you must observe the following:
- Be able to perceive in the better ear a forced whisper at a distance of 1 and a half metres, with or without a hearing aid
- Not have hearing loss in your better ear exceeding 40 decibels at 500, 1000, and 2000 hertz. This is if an audiometer is used to test the driver’s hearing.
Medical standards (A, B, C, D, E and F drivers)
If you are looking into driving a tractor-trailer, school bus or city bus, the medical standards you must follow will differ greatly from a regular G or M licence! This is because you will need to be submitting medical reports. These reports must be completed by a physician or nurse practitioner who is licensed to practice medicine within Canada. You can obtain a form from your local DriveTest centre!
If you have already obtained your class A, B, C, D, E or F licences, medical reports must be submitted
- Every five years, under the age of 46
- Every three years, age 46-64
- Annually, age 65 and over
If you already have one of the above licences, you will receive a form in the mail 90 days before your report is due.
Submitting a medical standards report form
When it comes to submitting your medical report form, you have a few options to choose from! Many doctors’ clinics will submit your completed medical report form to the Ministry of Transportation office on your behalf. This will be your easiest option. However, not all clinics offer this service. If this is the case, you can submit your form in person to the Ministry of Transportation or by mail. Your physician or nurse must have answered “yes” or “no” to question one, and “no” to questions two through nine.
What happens if my Medical Standards report is late or if I fail a medical report?
If your medical report is not submitted by the due date, your licence will be downgraded back to a class G licence. This means you would no longer be eligible to drive any vehicles outside of a normal car. If you fail to meet the current medical standards, you may be asked to submit additional information from your treating physician or nurse practitioner as to why they no longer think you are eligible. From there, the Ministry of Transportation will tell you what is required to have your case reconsidered or if you have the right to appeal the decision.
Overall, you need to ensure you comply with the medical standards for Ontario drivers. Remember, no matter what type of vehicle you are getting behind the wheel of, it is always important to ensure it is properly insured. If you are looking to switch providers or need a new policy, give us a call. We take pride in our low premiums and top-notch customer service. Request a quote today!
Drive with Confidence
Request your free car insurance quote now and get the coverage you deserve.
In Ontario, you’re required by law to update your driver’s Read more
isure has all the info you need to renew your Ontario Read more
Having a suspended driver's licence can be tough. Luckily, isure Read more
