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Medical Test for Driving Licence India: Form 1A (2026)
When Medical Test Is Required
Not every driving licence applicant needs a medical test. The rules under Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989 are precise:
- Under 40 years (non-transport): only Form 1 self-declaration; no doctor visit
- 40 years and above (non-transport): Form 1A medical certificate at every fresh issue and renewal
- All transport (commercial) licences: Form 1A at fresh issue and at every 3-year renewal
- International Driving Permit above 50: Form 1A required
- RTO discretion: RTO officer can ask for Form 1A in any case if there is reasonable doubt about fitness
What Is Form 1A
Form 1A is the prescribed medical fitness certificate under Rule 5 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. It is a one-page form filled and signed by a registered MBBS doctor. Form 1A is the same across India and is available for download on the Sarathi Parivahan portal.
The form has three parts:
- Applicant details: name, DOB, address, DL number, vehicle class
- Medical history disclosure: applicant declares any chronic condition, surgery, medication
- Doctor's findings: eyesight, hearing, BP, height, weight, chronic disease check, fitness conclusion
What the Medical Test Covers
| Check | What Doctor Tests | Pass Criterion |
|---|---|---|
| Eyesight | Snellen chart reading at 6 metres | 6/6 each eye with or without correction |
| Colour vision | Ishihara plate test | Identify standard plates correctly |
| Hearing | Conversational speech test | Hear normal voice from 3 metres |
| Blood pressure | BP measurement | Below 160 / 100 mmHg ideally |
| Height and weight | Standard measurement | For BMI noting (not a fail criterion) |
| Chronic disease | Diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions | Disclosed and controlled |
| Mental fitness | Basic cognitive check (above 60) | Sound state of mind |
| Physical disability | Movement and limb function | Compatible with driving controls |
Where to Get the Test Done
Three options for Form 1A:
- RTO-listed Government clinics: usually in or near the RTO; lowest fees; predictable accept by RTO
- Private MBBS clinics: any registered MBBS doctor can issue Form 1A; check that the clinic is on the state Government list to avoid rejection
- Hospital out-patient department: large hospitals have OPDs that do Form 1A for routine fees
- Avoid online-only certificates: websites that issue Form 1A without a physical visit are not accepted by RTOs and can be flagged
What to Carry
- Current driving licence: for renewal applicants
- Aadhaar or PAN: for identity match with Form 1A
- Existing eyewear: wear your spectacles or lenses if you use them
- Medical history: list of current medications, recent hospitalisations, chronic conditions
- Hearing aid: if you use one; declare in Form 1A
- Two passport-size photos: for the doctor's records
- Fee in cash or UPI: approximately Rs 200 to Rs 500
Cost of the Test
| Where | Fee (Approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government clinic in/near RTO | Rs 200 to Rs 300 | Most affordable; some are free for senior citizens |
| Private MBBS clinic | Rs 300 to Rs 500 | Quick appointment; check Government-listed status |
| Hospital OPD | Rs 200 to Rs 400 | Comes with normal hospital queue |
| Eye specialist (for additional report) | Rs 300 to Rs 800 | If macular degeneration or glaucoma is suspected |
Conditions That May Affect Approval
Several chronic conditions are flagged on Form 1A. Disclosure is mandatory. Most do not disqualify you outright, but some may lead to a conditional licence.
- Diabetes: controlled diabetes is fine; insulin-dependent diabetics need a fresh Form 1A every renewal cycle
- Hypertension: controlled BP under treatment is acceptable; uncontrolled hypertension above 160/100 may need treatment first
- Heart disease: disclose any heart attack, bypass, or stent procedure; cardiologist note may be needed
- Epilepsy and seizures: must be seizure-free for at least 1 year on medication; neurologist note required
- Stroke: recent stroke means a 6-month minimum recovery period; physician clearance needed
- Vision issues: cataract surgery, lens prescription, macular degeneration must be disclosed
- Hearing loss: hearing aid use is acceptable; profound deafness may need separate Government approval
- Physical disability: special vehicle modifications can lead to a specific endorsement on the licence
If you hide a serious chronic condition on Form 1A and later have an accident linked to that condition (e.g., a seizure while driving), your motor insurance provider can reject the claim and possibly recover any third-party payout from you. Always disclose fully. Conditional licences are far better than rejected claims.
Validity and Re-Submission
- Form 1A is valid for 6 months: from the date of the doctor's signature
- Use within validity: submit on Sarathi or at RTO within 6 months
- Fresh Form 1A at each renewal: old Form 1A is not reusable; re-test before each licence renewal
- If certificate is rejected: get fresh test from a different listed clinic; fee is paid afresh
- Transport licence cycle: every 3 years; commercial drivers do Form 1A more often than private drivers
Medical Test and Insurance
Form 1A is a one-time medical fitness statement for a specific renewal cycle. Your motor insurance provider does not see this Form, but the underlying conditions can affect claim outcomes. If a official ruling finds that the driver was medically unfit to drive at the time of an accident (e.g., uncontrolled epilepsy, severe vision loss), the provider can deny the claim. Pair good health practice with the right cover. Buy car insurance online for the protection that supports a long, safe driving life.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Safe Driving and SmartDrive Pillar
- Safe Driving Complete Guide in India 2026. Pillar hub guide for Safe Driving.
- Zuno SmartDrive in India 2026. Pillar hub guide for SmartDrive.
Sources: Content based on information published by IRDAI, ARAI, MoRTH, Parivahan Sewa, General Insurance Council (GIC), and other relevant regulatory or industry sources, as applicable.
Disclaimer: Premiums and amounts shown are indicative and approximate reference figures only; the actual figure varies with the vehicle's age, No Claim Bonus, geography (RTO zone) and various other parameters. The company offers products under Motor, Health, and Commercial Insurance. For risk factors, terms and conditions, exclusions, and product features, please read the policy wording, sales brochure, and prospectus carefully before concluding a sale. Zuno General Insurance Limited | IRDAI Reg. No. 159 | CIN: U66000MH2016PLC273758 | Registered Office: 2nd Floor, Tower 3, Wing B, Kohinoor City Mall, Kohinoor City, Kirol Road, Kurla (West), Mumbai 400070 | Toll-Free: 1800 12000 | Landline: 022 42312000 (Call charges applicable) | Website: www.hizuno.com | Email: support@hizuno.com.
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