Physical exam required to obtain a driver license

I moved to Pennsylvania in the very early 1970s. In order to get a vehicle driver license I first had to pass a complete physical at my own doctor's office. Then, I had to pass a lengthy written test, pass a ten question verbal test and a vision test administered by a PA State Trooper at his barracks.

Does anyone know if the physical is still required in PA for first-time applicants? Has anyone had a similar experience in any other state?

Here in the uk after the age of 75. i think it is.. we have to have a full eye check up and that we can still drive but apart from that is useless info the usa.

In Pennsylvania (PA), new drivers must first get a learner's permit.

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/teenDriversCenter/obtainingLearnersPermit.shtml

Step 2 requires a physical exam.

Current licensed driver's moving from another state must apply for a PA license within 60 days. The application has questions and based on the applicant's answers, the state may require a physical exam.

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us//pdotforms/dl_forms/dl-180r.pdf

A D.O.T Physical is required every 24 months if you have a Commercial Drivers license

My Daughter in law said that her friends daughter just got her permit and had to get a complete exam to it.

I believe the O.D.O.T exam is not a complete physical...

I believe the O.D.O.T exam is not a complete physical...

From what I could make out of the document, the requirements - good eyesight and no diseases/conditions that might impair driving at unexpected times - are very similar to what I once had to pass here in Belgium. However, that was for an up-scaling of my normal drivers license so that I could (professionally if needed) transport up to 9 persons. Normally it's only 5. And a regular driver's license did not require a physical exam when I got mine. I shudder to think what the future will bring though.

As far as exams went it was not much more than an eye test - when you go buy a pair of glasses at a store they give a more detailed eye test - and a questioning of your medical history. They didn't check anything physical beyond blood pressure. As exams go it was a joke. No one at the doctor's office seemed to take it seriously.

Just from my personal experience, having had driver's licenses in at least 5 different states (that I can remember) since 1972, the only exam I've ever had is vision. There have been general health questions on the application - 'Do you have any conditions that could affect your ability...'

I obtained my drivers license from PA as well and I had to go through a complete physical exam. It was by my own physician but yes, you do still have to go through the exam.

I can understand the state's interest in assuring that new DL applicants are physically able to drive safely. Driving is a privilege, not a God given right.

Taking that as a given, why do they drive so badly on the PA turnpike? It doesn't appear that the state's efforts are resulting in better or safer drivers.

Yuppers - http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/teendriverscenter/obtaininglearnerspermit.shtml

The form DL-180 does not, however, require a complete physical, just certification of conditions (or lack thereof). If you have a doctor who knows your health, they could just fill out the form.

Jds is right, it looks like the form could easily be filled out by your doctor without even bringing you into the office for an exam. That being said, I've never lived in a state that even required that. Everywhere I've been, they really only care that you can see more than 3 or 4 feet in front of your face. If you pass the vision screening, then you're done.

On the other hand, the kinky fantasy side of me would love to think that healthy teenagers all over the state have to head to their doctor for a full and embarrassing physical exam -- just to be able to get a license. Or better yet, that the state DMV conducts the exam themselves, done in groups of course. My, my, the possibilities. There might be a new story here.

My experience in California is that no physical is required for the normal license. For a truck or bus driver a minimal exam plus visual acuity is required every two years. I could knock out such exams in minutes.

I live In the UK and no exam is required for a 'Car' licence here, just a few simple questions on the application form, you would however have to declare certain serious conditions if they occur.

For 'Commercial' vehicles a Doctors exam is necessary before the Driving test, every 5 years when you reach the age of 45 and every year after you become 65. This is the form the Doctor uses -

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/369458/D4_160414.pdf

My GP did the first exam which was very thorough. After the prelims and vitals were done by the nurse, I went into the Doctor who instructed me to take everything off except my underpants (blue and white briefs - I remember it well), he checked me all over, having to take my briefs down whilst standing in front of him, to be 'checked down there', that was nearly 30 years ago.

The repeat exams I have had since then were nothing like that, the most I have taken off was my shirt and sometimes just lift it up to sound my chest, no getting naked like the first exam.

Oh how times have changed.