Losing your Michigan Driver’s License is a disabling event no matter what the reason. Southeastern Michigan has no public transportation, commuting to work (if you can still work) becomes more complicated and people begin to avoid your, “Can you give me a ride?” requests. Your driver’s license is freedom; it’s your independence.
There are a number of reasons one loses his or her driving privileges, but mostly they come down to two basic reasons: two or more drunk driving convictions or a medical/physical disability that prevents you from safely operating your car.
Medical/Physical Disability
In order to have a Michigan Driver’s License, you must meet all the statutory requirements. Driver’s education, passing the knowledge test and the road test is part of challenge. You must also meet the physical requirements for vision, hearing and demonstrate the ability to safely operate your car on public roads. Disease and injury can affect your ability to drive. The process of aging can slowly deteriorate your driving ability, too. Sometimes you’ll find out suddenly (after an accident or close call). Sometimes you’ll find out at the Secretary of State’s office when you discover difficulty reading an eye chart or passing the peripheral vision test. No matter how you learn, it is disappointing to learn that despite years of safe driving, you now can no longer drive your car. It’s a loss of freedom and independence that makes your life more complicated.
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