Vermont
Driver Information By State
Every state regulates driver's license eligibility of persons with certain medical conditions. The most common requirement for people with epilepsy is that they be seizure free for a specific period of time and submit a physician's evaluation of their ability to drive safely. Another common requirement is the periodic submission of medical reports, in some states for a specified period of time and in others for as long as the person remains licensed.
Select the state you want to find information about, or if you are moving and would like to compare two states' driving laws side by side? Choose the two states below to compare.
| Law | Vermont |
|---|---|
| DMV Appeal of License Denial | Yes |
| Doctors to Report Epilepsy | No |
| Periodic Medical Updates Required After Licensing | At discretion of Medical Advisory Board |
| Seizure-Free Period | No set seizure-free period |
Vermont Driver Licensing Laws
Licensing regulations state that a person who suffers from epilepsy or any other condition which may result in a loss of consciousness may be considered eligible for a license after submitting an initial medical evaluation report completed by their physician to the Commissioner. The Commissioner then reviews the medical report and determines whether the applicant or licensee may be granted a new or renewed license. Vermont Driver’s License Manual, Chapter 10 – Persons with Disabilities, p. 70. The Commissioner, upon reasonable suspicion that a licensee may be incompetent or otherwise unfit to operate a motor vehicle safely, may also require a licensee to submit to medical examinations done by physicians who are appointed examiners. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, §§ 636, 637 (2020). The true or actual result of the examination in addition to the examiner’s licensing recommendations are reported to the Commissioner, who has the final decision as to grant, deny, or restrict a person’s license. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, § 637 (2020). Restricted licenses may be available on a case by case basis. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, §§ 612, 636 (2020).
If any person is dissatisfied with the outcome of the examination, they are entitled to two additional examinations by different physicians who are approved by the Commissioner. However, these examinations and determinations are then final. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, § 638 (2020).
If an applicant is denied a license as a result of the Commissioner’s determination that they are unfit to operate a motor vehicle, the applicant is entitled to a hearing before the Division of Hearings is available if the person requests it within fifteen days of the date of the notice of suspension or revocation. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, §§ 105(c), 603(a) (2020). An adverse decision resulting from the presuspension or prerevocation hearing may be appealed to the Superior Court. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, § 105(c) (2020).
Commercial Driving
Vermont has adopted the federal Department of Transportation medical standards for licensing intrastate truck drivers. No waivers are available at this time. An individual may be licensed to drive a taxi or other vehicles, which carry fewer than seven passengers, if the individual meets the requirements for obtaining a personal license. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, § 4801 (2020).
Vermont Identification Card
Any resident may apply to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles for an identification card. The cost is $15.00 fee for the initial card. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall cancel the card whenever the card is fraudulently altered or misused. VT. STAT. ANN. tit. 23, § 115(a)(b)(f) (2020).
Vermont Reporting
There is no provision requiring physicians to report patients who have been treated for or diagnosed as having epilepsy to a central state agency.
© 2020 Epilepsy Foundation. All rights reserved. This summary was developed for informational purposes by the Epilepsy Foundation and reflects a review of data available as of August 2020. Information is subject to change. This summary is not a substitute for legal advice. For further information, please consult your state Department of Motor Vehicles.