Drivers aged 66 and up must update their licenses in person every five years, and drivers aged 18 to 65 must do so every eight years.
A vision test is needed when renewing in person. The DMV will give a test for free, or a driver can get an exam from an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, but that doctor needs to fill out a Certificate of Examination by Vision Specialist form.
The traffic sign test is no longer needed when renewing in person.
A road test is only needed if there are signs that the driver is impaired, as shown by a report from a police officer, a doctor, or a family member.
Possible License Restrictions
After giving someone a driving test and talking to them about possible limits, the DMV can put conditions or restrictions on their driver’s license.
For older drivers in North Carolina, the most common limit is having to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses. Other rules may be put in place to make sure everyone stays safe, such as:
- daylight driving only
- no driving at speeds over 45 miles per hour
- no interstate driving
- driving restricted to a limited radius around home, and
- driving only when another licensed driver is in the car.
Tinted Window Waiver for Vehicle
Drivers who need to be protected from sunlight or bright artificial light for medical reasons will be able to get a waiver from the DMV. The waiver, which needs a note from a doctor, lets a driver put window tinting films or apps on their car that are higher than the legal limit.
The person with the medical condition must fill out parts of a Tinted Window Waiver Application Form and then get a doctor to fill out the rest of the form. This form must then be returned to the DMV’s Medical Unit.
How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in North Carolina
The North Carolina DMV will take information from other DMVs, family members, doctors, police officers, and anyone else who is worried.
People who want to have a driver checked out must fill out a Medical Request for Driver Re-Examination form and send it to the address on the form that says “Medical Evaluation Program.”
Requests that are anonymous or not signed will not be handled, and “advanced age” will not be a reason for re-examination by itself.
The Medical Unit staff will look over each request and decide if the person’s license should be limited or revoked. A doctor may need to do an extra check and fill out a detailed Medical Report Form in some situations.
How to Get a License Reinstated
To find out how to get back a North Carolina license that has been canceled or taken away, call one of the DMV offices spread out across the state.
How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver
Drivers who are disabled and have a doctor’s note confirming their condition can get disabled person parking stickers and license plates.
The placards and plates are available for those who:
- cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- cannot walk without aid from another person or an assistive device such as a cane or walker
- have severe lung disease
- use portable oxygen
- have a severe cardiac condition
- are severely limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition, or
- are blind or have severely limited eyesight as certified by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or the Division of Services for the Blind.
To obtain a disabled placard:
- Complete and sign an Application for Disability Parking Placard.
- Have a licensed physician complete the Physician’s Section of the form.
- Include a fee of $5 for each; the limit is two.
- Mail the original application to the address on the form.
- Lasts for five years.
To obtain a disabled plate:
- Complete and sign an Application for Disability License Plate.
- Have a licensed physician complete the Physician’s Section of the form.
- Include a fee of $36.
- Mail the original application to the address on the form.
- Must be renewed annually by sticker.
Check out the DMV’s page on Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina parking stickers and plates for a list of what you need to do.
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