Opinion: Older adult drivers should be required to retake the road test
While taking away a person’s driver’s license can reduce their independence, it’s essential for their safety and the safety of others, especially as people age. In 2020, nearly 48 million people age 65 and older had a driver’s license, and this number is expected to grow. Although seniors aren’t the most likely to cause accidents, they are more prone to accidents due to age-related challenges, with nearly 7,500 older adults killed in crashes in 2020.
Currently, there is no federal law mandating when seniors should stop driving, but we should reevaluate how we approach licensing for drivers over 70. While some states have shorter renewal periods for older drivers, only four states require vision tests for seniors, and only one state requires a road test for older drivers.
All states should require vision tests for everyone during in-person renewals, and seniors should submit recent eye exam results if renewing by mail or online. Additionally, regular road tests for older drivers could help identify any issues and ensure they remain safe on the road.
Though some argue it’s ageist, regular retesting would ensure that seniors can continue to drive safely, as individual abilities vary widely with age. The goal isn’t to set an age limit, but to ensure seniors’ driving skills are assessed periodically.
