It is the policy of the Department of Motor Vehicles, based on guidance and recommendations from the Medical Advisory Board, that if a driver suffers a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), the driver’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle will be suspended for three months. The three-month suspension may be shortened for drivers who have suffered a TIA, provided that treatment has been provided mitigating the risk of reoccurrence and there is no impact on a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. These cases may be referred to the DMV Medical Advisory Board for their guidance and recommendations.
If a driver suffers a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), the driver’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle will be suspended for six months. This six-month suspension period may be shortened if DMV receives information from the driver's health care provider indicating that the driver has fully recovered. These cases may be referred to the DMV Medical Advisory Board for its guidance and recommendations.
Following the six-month suspension, DMV will request an evaluation with a certified driver rehabilitation specialist if the driver has suffered paralysis or cognitive changes due to the CVA. If the driver’s physical and cognitive information is not indicated in the medical report received by the agency, DMV will request it from the health care provider. Based on the information received about the driver’s cognitive abilities, the driver may also be subject to the DMV Cognitive Impairment Policy.
The driver is also required to furnish an updated Vision Report (MED-4) with an examination date that is not older than 90 days and occurs after the TIA/CVA, in accordance with Va. Code Section 46.2-311.
DMV may impose additional requirements on the individual depending on the information received by the agency.
Commercial drivers
In the case of commercial drivers who suffer a TIA or CVA, DMV adheres to guidance from the Driver Medical Requirements at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
DMV requires that the commercial driver undergo a full neurological examination to include the results of an EEG, completed Vision Report (MED-4) and visual field analysis prior to return to driving. The non-excepted driver will also be required to submit an updated Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination certificate.
Additional Documentation
DMV reserves the right to request that a driver provide additional information from a specialist in order to assess their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.