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Reporting a patient who may be unfit to drive

Last updated on May 25, 2022

Section 230 Motor Vehicle Act requires psychologists, optometrists, medical and nurse practitioners to report to RoadSafetyBC any patient who:

  • Has a medical condition that makes it dangerous for them to drive, and
  • Continues to drive after you've warned them not to

Members of the public: If you're a member of the public who wants to report a driver, learn how by visiting Reporting a driver’s medical fitness.

When to report

The Motor Vehicle Act outlines when clinicians must report concerns of a patient driving to RoadSafetyBC.

Reports may result from a condition causing persistent functional impairment or a condition that may cause episodic incapacitation. Examples include:

  • Cognitive decline and dementia
  • Cerebrovascular accident
  • Uncontrolled seizures
  • Uncontrolled sleep apnea
  • Patients with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemic events

Find more examples and information in CCMTA medical standards with B.C. specific guidelines - quick access.

Clinicians may also report when they have concerns about a patient that do not meet the requirements outlined in section 230 of the act. ​

Please note: Do not report transient conditions. These include the aftereffects of surgery, fractures, concussions and eye surgery.

How to report

Complete the Report of a Condition Affecting Fitness and Ability to Drive [PDF, 277KB] and fax it to us at the number on the report. (Include your fax number so we can confirm we’ve received it.)

Provide as much detail as possible in your report, including:

  • Diagnosis
  • Severity
  • Symptoms
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment
  • Tests or assessments, and
  • Specialist reports

RoadSafetyBC understands reporting may challenge clinician-patient relationships. Let your patient know RoadSafetyBC makes the licensing decision and they can contact us with questions. If you as a medical practitioner have any questions about this process please call RoadSafetyBC's registered nurse case manager at 250-953-8612.

What happens after I report?

We’ll review the report to determine if we need more information to make a licensing decision.

If we cancel your patient’s licence we will let them know in writing what they can do to have our decision reviewed.