Should My Aging Loved One Renew Their Driver’s License?

Elder Care in Amagansett NY: Should My Aging Loved One Renew Their Driver’s License?

Few things represent adulthood and independence as driving a personal vehicle. Because driving is a privilege and not a right, everyone needs to pass certain standards in order to have a license. Senior drivers are no different, and they must show that they are still able to safely operate on the road. If they shouldn’t be driving, family members should arrange for them to not renew their license and depend on elder care services instead. Just like teenagers, senior drivers are among the highest risks for accidents, so most states have special requirements for senior drivers to keep their license.

Senior Driver Statistics

More than 40 million drivers in the United States are over the age of 65, and studies show that senior drivers over age 75 are at a very high risk for crashes. Due to impairment by age, illness, injury and medications, seniors are often not able to see or hear as well as younger drivers, and may be limited by weaker muscles, stiffer joints and slower reaction times.

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, dementia and more can also affect senior drivers enough that they become a danger to themselves and other drivers. While many seniors do drive safely in their older years, family caregivers need to pay close attention as to whether their aging loved one is experiencing problems with driving.

State Requirements for Senior Drivers

So when do seniors need to renew their driver’s license? The answer depends on each state’s laws and driving regulations. For the most part, states issue renewable drivers licenses until a certain age, usually between 65 and 70. At that time, senior drivers may need to show that they are still capable of safe driving. This may require renewing in person, or taking new vision tests or driving tests. Still other states have no additional requirements for senior drivers. It really just depends on location when it comes to renewing a senior driver’s license.

Examples From Across the USA

Renewing a senior driver’s license varies from state to state. For example, in Hawaii anyone over 72 years old must renew their license ever two years, instead of every eight years for younger drivers. In Illinois, drivers over age 75 must pass a vision exam and road test to renew, and when they turn 87, they need to renew their license every year. Some states, like Utah and Maine, just require a vision test for older drivers. In states like Nebraska and Washington, drivers over a certain age must start renewing their licenses in person instead of via mail or online.

Interestingly, in states like Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Jersey, Michigan and more, there are no older age requirements for renewing a license. Family members that are caring for their aging loved ones should find out the rules for their state and decide whether or not to move forward.

The Decision Not To Renew

Sometimes, family members decide on behalf of their elderly loved one not to renew their driver’s license. Even though the senior is no longer driving, they need to have access to regular transportation so they can continue to stay active, see friends and family and avoid isolation. Hiring an elder care agency is an excellent way to provide transportation for an aging loved one that should be operating a vehicle yet needs to get around regularly.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional elder care in Amagansett, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.