The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that new measures will be implemented to renew driver’s licenses for older adults in order to reinforce road safety. The new requirements implemented by the DOT vary according to the age range of the drivers, with new specifications between 70 and 87 years of age. California, Florida and Texas will be the most flexible states for those over 70. Although this is a federal regulation, states are allowed to modify certain aspects.
This is the case of the mandatory vision test, which will be required from the age of 70 in California, from the age of 80 in Florida and will depend on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state of Texas after the age of 79. The implementation of these new measures is intended to enhance road safety for both our seniors and other drivers on the road.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
The U.S. Department of Transportation is a Federal Cabinet department of the U.S. Government, established by Congress in 1966 to ensure the safe transportation of people and goods by land. Among its functions is to establish and implement road safety regulations, as well as to enforce them.
Driving skills
Driving skills are not the same as the years go by. According to experts, they start to decline from the age of 45! However, the most noticeable changes begin to occur after the age of 65. There are several factors that begin to be affected by the passing of the years and that can affect our driving:
- Decreased reflexes and increased reaction time.
- Vision problems.
- Hearing problems.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Physical problems.
As is logical, driving abilities depend on each person, on factors such as mental and physical health, as well as driving experience.
New measures for people over 70 years of age
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced new measures that will take effect as of July 2025. Through these new requirements, those over 70 years of age who want to keep their driver’s license will be required to take a series of tests to determine their driving abilities. The main purpose of these measures is to reinforce safety on the roads, but also to promote the autonomy of the elderly. At no time will licenses be withdrawn simply because they reach a certain age, but they will have to undergo tests on a more regular basis according to their age.
Requirements according to the driver’s age
The established requirements vary according to age.
From 70 years of age:
- Renewal of the license every 4 years.
- Compulsory eye exam with special material that detects cataracts or blurred vision.
Between 81 and 86 years old:
- Renewal every 2 years.
- Visual examinations and cognitive evaluations if required.
From 87 years of age:
- Annual renewal.
- Mandatory practical driving test.
Will it be applicable to all states in the country?
The answer to this question is no. This is a federal measure, but freedom has been given as to its implementation, which will depend on the requirements of each state. This is the case of the states of California, Florida and Texas, where the measures are more flexible. Vision tests will be required at different times:
- California: starting at age 70.
- Florida: from the age of 80.
- Texas: depending on the criteria of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), after the age of 79.
These measures are intended to avoid age discrimination, and to be fair to each individual’s abilities. However, in case they fail these tests or are unable to drive for medical reasons, the State will provide them with discounted access to mobility programs. Logically, this alternative does not replace the freedom of autonomous driving, but aims to provide other ways of mobility for the elderly to continue to develop their lives in a safe and accessible way.