Medical standards - Nova Scotia

An applicant for a Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 license must have a medical examination by a qualified physician and submit a completed medical report on a form prescribed by the department:

• At the time of application;
• Every renewal date thereafter; and
• Annually after the age of 64.

On the basis of this report, the Registrar will determine whether or not a certain class of license may be issued, or if it may be issued with restrictions. To aid in this determination, the following minimum standards have been set:

• 6/9 (20/30) vision in the better eye and 6/15 (20/50) in the weaker eye, with or without corrective lenses for Classes 1, 2, and 4;
• A horizontal visual field of at least 120° in each eye (tested separately) for Classes 1, 2, and 4;
• The ability to perceive a forced whispered voice at 1.5 to 2 metres or to engage in a normal conversation at 8-10 metres; and
• No evidence of any mental, emotional, nervous or physical disorder which may interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.

Specific medical conditions which may prevent an applicant from obtaining a license are listed in the regulations for each license class.

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