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 the 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 notify the SAAQ of any health problem or changes in your state of health:

• before a first driver's licence or new class of licence is issued;
• at the time of your licence payment or renewal;
• at all times, within 30 days following a change in your state of health.

To declare a change in your state of health, you can complete the medical declaration form available at SAAQ service outlets, or the section provided for this purpose on your licence renewal payment notice. You may also notify us of any changes by email or telephone.

After an assessment, the SAAQ may decide to:

• immediately issue a licence;
• issue a licence bearing certain conditions;
• ask you to undergo a medical or eye examination.

Medical or eye examination

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

The SAAQ may also request that you undergo these examinations if:

• you have reached the age determined by regulation;
• your behaviour on the road or your health suggests that your ability to operate a vehicle should be verified;
• you have not undergone a medical examination within the last 10 years and the SAAQ deems it advisable.

Frequency of medical verifications

You must have the following forms completed by your physician, based on your age and licence class:

• You hold a Class 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B or 4C licence:
• the Medical Examination Report form;
• at ages 45, 55, 60 and 65;
• every two years thereafter.
• You want to drive a vehicle requiring Classes 1, 2, 3 or 4B in the United States:
• the Medical Examination Report form;
• at ages 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45;
• at ages 48, 51, 54, 55, 57, 60, 63 and 65;
• every year thereafter.
• You hold a Class 5, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D or 8:
• the Medical Examination Report and Eye Examination Report forms;
• at ages 75 and 80;
• every two years thereafter.

Depending on your medical condition, these verifications could be required more frequently.

In all cases, the SAAQ will send you the medical examination form along with a letter explaining the reasons for the request. The form must be returned within 90 days.

If you have not received a form, you may obtain one at an SAAQ service outlets.

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