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Licensing-renewal procedures for elderly drivers
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Getting your license renewed is generally a pretty simple procedure. The state reviews your driving record, and if you don’t have suspensions or revocations, your new license will be issued. Most states require renewal applicants to appear in person and to pass a vision test -- though some allow renewal electronically or by mail. The significant differences are the length of time between renewals, ranging from 2 to 10 years. In addition, 26 states and the District of Columbia have provisions designed to guarantee that older adults continue to meet license requirements.
Renewal procedures for older drivers, typically between ages 65 to 70 and older, vary by state. Some states require elder drivers to renew their licenses in person rather than electronically or by mail. They may even require them to take vision and road tests that are not routinely required of younger drivers. These special renewal procedures for older drivers can apply in addition to the license renewal procedures that exist in all states for dealing with licensed drivers of any age who no longer meet the standards for licensure because of physical or mental infirmities.
Too old to drive?
If a person's continued fitness to drive is in doubt (due to the person's demeanor at renewal or because of a history of crashes or violations and reports by physicians or police), state licensing agencies may require renewal applicants to undergo physical or mental examinations or retake the standard licensing tests (vision, written and road). In cases of doubt, states typically have medical review boards composed of health care professionals who advise on licensing standards and on individual cases. Of course, no matter what age you are, a bad driving record will lead to a high car insurance quote.
After reviewing a person's fitness to drive, the DMV may allow the person to retain the license or it may refuse to renew it. It can also suspend, revoke or restrict the license. Typical restrictions include prohibiting nighttime driving, requiring the vehicle to have additional mirrors, restricting driving to specified places or limiting how far an older person can drive from home.
The following chart indicates for the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia the periods for which licenses can be renewed, any accelerated renewal periods for older drivers, and other miscellaneous provisions applicable to older drivers.
The Institute also tracks state laws on licensing for teen drivers.
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(1) In Arizona, the license is valid until age 65. Any person older than 65 who is renewing by mail must submit a vision test verification form. The vision test or examination must be conducted not more than 3 months before.
(2) In Connecticut, people 65 and older may choose a 2-year or 6-year renewal cycle. A personal appearance at renewal generally is required. Upon a showing of hardship, people age 65 and older may renew by mail.
(3) The District of Columbia specifically states that an applicant will not be required to retake the written test or road test based solely on advanced age. But those over 70 must provide a doctor’s note certifying they are competent to drive.
(4) Florida allows only two successive renewals to be made electronically or by mail, regardless of age.
(5) Maryland law specifies that age alone is not grounds for reexamination of drivers. Applicants for an initial license age 70 and older must provide proof of previous satisfactory operation of a vehicle or physician’s certificate of fitness.
(6) Massachusetts law prohibits discrimination by reason of age with regard to licensing.
(7) Minnesota law specifies that age alone is not a justification for reexamination.
(8) Montana allows only two successive renewals may be made electronically or by mail, regardless of age.
(9) In Nevada, applicants for mail renewal age 70 and older must provide a medical report.
(10) In North Carolina, people 60 and older are not required to parallel park in the road test.
(11) In Oklahoma, the license fee is reduced for drivers 62-64 and is waived for drivers 65 and older.
(12) Every licensee is required to submit to a vision test every 5 years.
(13) In Tennessee, fees are reduced for drivers 60 and older. Licenses issued to people 65 and older do not expire.
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