CA DMV Form DS 326. Driver Medical Evaluation

The DS 326 Driver Medical Evaluation form is a crucial document used by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to assess a driver’s medical fitness. Its purpose is to ensure that drivers with certain health conditions can operate a vehicle safely. This form collects confidential medical information from both the driver and a licensed medical professional.

Purpose and Overview

This form serves multiple purposes:

• To evaluate a driver’s physical and mental ability to safely operate a vehicle.
• To provide the DMV with comprehensive health information for licensing decisions.
• To ensure compliance with California Vehicle Code §§1808.5 and related regulations.

Drivers who have a known medical condition, a history of seizures, diabetes, cognitive impairments, or other conditions that could affect safe driving are typically required to submit this form.

Key Sections of the Form

Section 1 — Driver Information

The driver provides personal information, including license number, contact details, and health history. Drivers must indicate any conditions such as seizures, heart disease, diabetes, or other impairments.

Common mistakes: leaving fields blank, incomplete explanations for "YES" answers, or omitting medication details.

Section 2 — Driver’s Advisory Statement

This section explains the legal authority for the DMV to request medical information. Drivers are informed that failure to provide information may result in license denial or suspension. It also notes confidentiality of records under CVC §1808.5.

Section 3 — Medical Information Authorization

The driver authorizes medical professionals to release relevant medical information to the DMV. This section is critical for legal compliance and allows DMV staff to communicate directly with the treating physician regarding fitness to drive.

Sections 4–13 — Completed by Medical Professional

These sections are filled by the physician, physician’s assistant, or advanced practice nurse. They cover:

• Section 5: Vision and visual acuity tests.
• Section 6: Treatment by other medical professionals.
• Section 7: Diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment under supervision.
• Section 8: Levels of functional impairments affecting driving.
• Section 9: Cognitive impairments and dementia evaluation.
• Section 10: Lapse of consciousness disorders.
• Section 11: Diabetes management and complications.
• Section 12: Additional comments regarding safe driving.
• Section 13: Medical professional’s signature and license verification.

Tips: Ensure all medical history is up-to-date, attach lab results if relevant, and provide clear descriptions of symptoms or functional limitations.

Practical Recommendations

• Fill out driver sections completely before visiting the medical professional.
• Bring a current list of medications, dosages, and treatment plans.
• Provide full explanations for any "YES" answers, including onset dates and severity.
• Keep a copy of the completed form for personal records.
• Follow up with the DMV if additional evaluations are requested.

Examples of Real-World Usage

• A driver recovering from a recent heart attack submits this form to ensure it is safe to resume driving.
• An individual with controlled diabetes provides medical documentation to confirm that hypoglycemic episodes are managed.
• A senior driver experiencing mild memory loss completes the form to assess cognitive fitness for maintaining a license.
• A patient with a seizure disorder provides detailed medical history and treatment adherence to demonstrate safe driving capability.

Required Documents

• Completed DS 326 form sections 1–3 by the driver.
• Medical evaluation sections 4–13 by a licensed professional.
• Supporting documents such as lab reports, medication lists, or specialist consultations if needed.
• Any additional sheets explaining past medical incidents or hospitalizations.

FAQ

• Who must complete this form? Drivers with medical conditions affecting driving, as requested by DMV.
• When is it required? Typically after medical alerts from DMV or during license renewal for certain conditions.
• Who can fill the medical sections? Licensed physicians, physician’s assistants, or advanced practice nurses.
• Is this form confidential? Yes, under California law (CVC §1808.5).
• What happens if information is incomplete? License issuance may be delayed or denied.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose: Assess medical fitness to drive.
• Who files: Drivers with medical conditions.
• Deadline: As requested by DMV.
• Attachments: Medical history, lab results, medication lists.
• Submitted to: California DMV.

Related Forms

• DS 367 — Physician’s Evaluation for Driver
• DL 44 — California Driver License Application
• DS 6050 — Alcohol and Drug Evaluation Form

Form Details

• Form Name: Driver Medical Evaluation
• Form Number: DS 326
• Region: California, USA
• Revision Date: 6/2020