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California DMV Neurological Evaluation in Los Angeles
Published: March 16, 2025
Author: Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
If the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has requested a neurological evaluation as part of your driver's license medical certification, Achilles Neurology Clinic provides objective medical assessments.
We offer DMV neurological evaluations in Los Angeles, performed by a board-certified neurologist, to assess your condition and complete the required DMV documentation (Driver Medical Evaluation DS-326 form).
Our goal is to provide an objective, thorough medical assessment that prioritizes the safety of you and everyone on the road, while ensuring compliance with California DMV requirements. The evaluation will determine whether you can drive safely, or whether additional interventions or rehabilitation may be necessary.
What is a DMV Neurological Evaluation?
A DMV neurological evaluation is a driver medical evaluation required by the California DMV for individuals with certain neurological conditions. It involves:
- Reviewing your medical history
- Conducting a detailed neurological exam
- Completing the DMV DS-326 form, which includes:
- Page 1: Completed by you (health history and medications)
- Pages 2-5: Completed by a physician (diagnosis, treatment, and functional assessment)
This evaluation helps the DMV decide if your neurological condition may affect your ability to drive safely.
Did you know?
The DMV DS-326 form is a detailed, five-page document that combines your health history with a thorough neurological assessment to determine your fitness to drive.
Why Does the DMV Require a Neurological Evaluation?
The evaluation is mandated to protect public safety and ensure that every driver is medically fit to operate a vehicle. Key reasons include:
- Public Safety First: Preventing accidents and protecting your passengers and other road users from potential harm caused by uncontrolled or improperly managed neurological conditions.
- Your Ability to Drive Safely: Determining whether your neurological condition affects your ability to drive safely, including reaction time, judgment, coordination, and consciousness.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting California DMV's medical certification requirements based on established safety standards.
What to Expect
We understand that driving independence is important to you. Our evaluation will provide an honest assessment of your ability to drive safely. While many patients are able to regain or maintain their driving privileges, some conditions and functional impairments may result in temporary restrictions, referral for driving rehabilitation, or in severe cases recommendations for alternative transportation options.
Important: The California DMV holds the final decision for all driving privilege approvals. Our evaluation provides medical information to support their review process.
Timeline: Please complete the DS-326 form within 24 days of the DMV suspension notice to avoid automatic license suspension while your case is reviewed.
Who Needs a DMV Medical Evaluation for Driving?
You may need a DMV medical evaluation if you have any of the following conditions:
Common Conditions Requiring Evaluation
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Seizure Disorders | History of seizures or epilepsy requiring stability assessment. |
| Loss of Consciousness | Episodes of fainting or syncope that could compromise alertness while driving. |
| Stroke/Brain Injury | Residual effects from stroke or injury affecting motor and cognitive functions. |
| Dementia/Cognitive Issues | Conditions that impair memory, judgment, or overall cognitive function. |
| Neuromuscular Disorders | Disorders affecting muscle control and coordination. |
| Diabetes Complications | Diabetic neuropathy or hypoglycemia that may lead to lapses in consciousness. |
What to Expect During Your Evaluation
At Achilles Neurology Clinic, our DMV neurological evaluation process includes:
- Medical History Review
- Detailed discussion of your health history.
- Examination of previous medical records, test results, and treatment notes.
- Neurological Examination
- Assessment of vital signs, reflexes, muscle strength, coordination, balance, and cognitive function.
- Specific tests related to your condition (e.g., vision screening, balance tests).
- Discussion of Treatment & Prognosis
- Evaluation of how well your condition is managed.
- Clear explanation of the findings and any recommendations.
- Completion of the DMV DS-326 Form
- Thorough documentation of your diagnosis, treatment, and functional status.
- Prompt submission of the form to the DMV by our office.
- Next Steps and Follow-Up
- Answering your questions and providing further instructions.
- Arranging additional follow-up if needed.
Not for Commercial Driving Licenses
This evaluation is not for commercial driving licenses. If you need a commercial driving license evaluation, please refer to the FMCSA registry.
Driving Rehabilitation: When OT-DRS Referral May Be Needed
In some cases, a neurological evaluation may reveal that while you have medical concerns, your ability to drive safely could potentially be improved through specialized driving rehabilitation. When appropriate, we may refer you to an Occupational Therapy Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (OT-DRS).
What is an OT-DRS?
An OT-DRS (Occupational Therapy-Driving Rehabilitation Specialist) is a licensed occupational therapist with advanced certification in driver rehabilitation. These specialists:
- Conduct comprehensive driving assessments including both clinical evaluations and on-road testing
- Identify specific functional limitations that may affect driving safety
- Provide targeted rehabilitation to improve driving skills and compensatory strategies
- Recommend vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment if needed
- Determine if return to driving is safe or if alternative transportation is necessary
When Might an OT-DRS Referral Be Recommended?
You may benefit from an OT-DRS evaluation if you have:
- Stroke or Brain Injury: To assess cognitive processing, visual scanning, and motor control
- Progressive Conditions: Such as Parkinson's disease or mild cognitive impairment where driving abilities may change over time
- Uncertain Functional Status: When the medical evaluation shows concerns but rehabilitation might help
- Need for Adaptive Equipment: When physical limitations could be addressed with vehicle modifications
- Family Safety Concerns: When loved ones have noticed changes in your driving but you wish to maintain independence
Driving Rehabilitation vs. Medical Evaluation
Our DMV neurological evaluation assesses your medical fitness to drive from a neurological standpoint. An OT-DRS provides the targeted interventions needed to improve your driving skills and compensatory strategies, based on the neurological evaluation findings. Both services work together to ensure road safety while maximizing your independence when medically appropriate.
Important: An OT-DRS referral is not a guarantee of returning to driving. The specialist will provide an objective assessment and may recommend against driving if safety concerns cannot be adequately addressed through rehabilitation or modifications.
Our Approach to DMV Neurological Evaluations
At Achilles Neurology Clinic, we understand that navigating a DMV medical evaluation can feel overwhelming. Our approach combines medical expertise with compassionate care:
- Expert Neurological Care:
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist with extensive experience evaluating neurological conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. - Thorough, Fair Assessment:
We conduct comprehensive evaluations using established medical criteria. Our goal is to provide an accurate, evidence-based assessment that reflects your current functional abilities. - Clear Communication:
We take time to explain our findings, answer your questions, and discuss next steps. You'll understand what our evaluation means for your driving status. - Seamless DMV Process:
We handle the DS-326 form completion and submission efficiently, helping you meet DMV deadlines without added stress. - Supportive Resources:
When appropriate, we connect you with driving rehabilitation specialists (OT-DRS) or other resources that may help improve your driving safety. - Convenient Access:
Centrally located in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills with flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent DMV timelines.
Commitment to Road Safety for All
If you have received a DMV request for neurological evaluation, we encourage you to schedule promptly to avoid license suspension. Book your appointment online to complete your required medical evaluation.
Schedule Your DMV Neurological Evaluation
Book your appointment to complete the required DMV medical assessment. Prompt evaluation helps avoid license suspension and ensures road safety.
About the Author
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD
Board-Certified Neurologist
Achilles Neurology Clinic
Dr. Achillefs Ntranos MD is a board-certified neurologist and MS specialist known for his thorough evaluations and compassionate approach. Originally from Greece, he trained at Johns Hopkins University and Mount Sinai Hospital before founding Achilles Neurology Clinic in Beverly Hills to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered neurological care. He specializes in MS, autoimmune neurology, neuropathy, headaches, and other neurological disorders, blending research-driven insights with personalized treatment plans.