Driver's Licence

Medical Assessment of Drivers

Operating a vehicle requires sound physical and mental health, along with good eyesight. This is why the SAAQ requires specific information about the health of drivers. The personal information that is collected and contained in your file is confidential.

The SAAQ can impose certain conditions on your driver's licence to ensure safe operation of a motor vehicle. These conditions are indicated on your driver's licence. You are required to comply with these conditions at all times when operating a vehicle.

If you refuse to submit a medical examination report, the SAAQ may suspend your licence or refuse to issue one.

Providing false or inaccurate information can result in a licence suspension and a $300 to $600 fine. Other fees may be added to the fine provided under the Highway Safety Code (contribution to the IVAC crime victims compensation program, registry fees, etc.).

Medical declaration

You must fill out a medical declaration form:

• before a first driver's licence or new class of licence is issued;
• before renewing your licence, to notify the SAAQ of a health problem or a change in your health.

The declaration will be examined and the SAAQ may:

• immediately grant you a licence; OR
• issue you a licence coupled with certain conditions; OR
• ask you to submit to a medical examination or eye exam.

Medical or eye examination

In addition to the need to complete a medical declaration form, if you are applying for a class 4A, 4B or 4C licence, or a class 1, 2 or 3 learner's licence for the first time, you are required to undergo a medical examination and eye exam.

The SAAQ may also request that you undergo these examinations in the following cases:

1. You are 70 years of age;
2. Your behaviour on the road or your health suggests that your ability to operate a vehicle should be tested;
3. You have not undergone a medical examination within the last 10 years and the SAAQ deems it advisable.

Beginning at age 45

Holders of a class 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B and 4C driver's licence are required to have their physician fill out a medical examination report form. A completed form must be submitted six months prior to turning age 45, 55, 60, 65 and every two years thereafter.

Holders of a class 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6C and 8 licences are required to have their physician fill out a medical examination report and eye examination report form. A completed form must be submitted six months prior to turning age 75 and again at age 80, and every two years thereafter.

If you are affected, the SAAQ will send you a medical examination report form and a letter explaining the reasons for its request. The completed form must be returned within 90 days.

If you did not receive a form, you can pick one up at an SAAQ service centre. The report must indicate that you have no health condition that prevents you from safely operating the vehicles that are included in your licence class.

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