10 Medical Conditions That Can Stop You From Driving

Driving requires sharp senses, motor control, and full cognitive awareness.

Around the world, governments place strict medical requirements on who can hold a driver’s license.

Whether you’re applying for a new license or renewing an existing one, certain health conditions may disqualify you or require medical clearance to continue legally driving.

From vision loss to neurological disorders, here are some of the most common medical reasons why you might be banned from the driver’s seat.

Hearing Loss

Severe hearing impairment especially when it affects both ears can prevent you from getting or renewing a license in many countries.

While hearing aids may help, most jurisdictions require a minimum level of hearing ability to ensure a driver can respond to emergency sirens and warnings. Some may allow restricted licenses if other criteria are met.

Poor Vision Is a Top Disqualifier

Vision is arguably the most critical sense for driving, with about 90% of the information we process on the road coming through our eyes.

Most countries require a minimum visual acuity (often 0.5 or 20/40) with or without corrective lenses.

If your vision falls below that, or if you have untreated conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, you may be ineligible to drive without further medical evaluation.

Cardiovascular Issues

Drivers who’ve had pacemakers, defibrillators, heart attacks, or heart transplants are usually required to wait before driving again.

Medical clearance is often mandatory to confirm that symptoms like dizziness or fainting are under control.

Commercial drivers typically face stricter standards than private license holders.

Blood Disorders Like Severe Anemia

Conditions like moderate to severe anemia or blood clotting disorders can cause fatigue, breathlessness, or even blackouts.

If these symptoms are active or uncontrolled, many countries may suspend your license until your health stabilizes and a medical report confirms it’s safe to drive.

Kidney Disease and Dialysis

If you’re on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, driving might not be allowed during recovery or active treatment phases.

In most places, a nephrologist’s sign-off is necessary, especially if symptoms include fatigue, confusion, or fluid retention, which can impair driving ability.

Breathing Disorders Must Be Managed

Chronic respiratory illnesses like COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea may impact your fitness to drive especially if they cause fatigue or reduced oxygen levels.

In places like the UK and Australia, untreated sleep apnea can be grounds for license suspension unless the driver is in a treatment program and medically cleared.

Diabetes and Endocrine Conditions

Drivers with diabetes particularly those on insulin may face extra scrutiny.

Sudden drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause disorientation or loss of consciousness.

Many countries require periodic doctor reports confirming the condition is well-managed and hasn’t caused recent severe episodes.

Neurological Disorders Often Require Clearance

Epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and certain types of migraines can all interfere with motor control or consciousness.

Most licensing bodies require a seizure-free period (often 6–12 months) and ongoing reports from neurologists to allow driving.

Episodes of fainting (syncope) are also closely monitored.

Mental Health Conditions

Cognitive and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and dementia can restrict or revoke driving privileges especially if judgment, memory, or motor function are impaired.

Medical professionals assess whether a condition is stable, treated, and unlikely to affect road safety.

Musculoskeletal Issues

If you have reduced mobility due to injury, amputation, arthritis, or muscle weakness, you may be required to modify your vehicle or use special driving aids.

If the impairment affects your ability to steer, brake, or maintain visibility, driving may be restricted or require re-testing.