Senior Driver Issues

Although a California driver's age alone is not a sufficient basis for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to revoke the license of a senior or to initiate reexamination proceedings, a person’s age does allow the DMV to scrutinize a senior driver more carefully. For example, all drivers 70 years of age or older must renew their driver’s license in person at a DMV office. When a person 70 years of age or older goes to the DMV office to renew their driver license, the clerk will look for signs of diminishing ability.

However, the ultimate determination of whether a license is renewed, restricted, suspended, or revoked for a driver of any age depends upon the driver’s ability to follow traffic laws and rules and to be in good physical and or mental condition. Staying fit and active at any age will help ensure continued driving privileges. There are additional steps a senior driver can do to help ensure safe driving such as only driving cars equipped with power steering.

Additionally, some driving experts suggest senior drivers use a turning knob installed on the steering wheel. However, the installation of aftermarket equipment may draw attention to the driver's need for special accomodation if stopped by a law enforcement officer.

Other driving experts suggest the installation of a panoramic mirror inside the car and large side mirrors outside a car owned and used by a senior. However, as noted above, the installation of aftermarket equipment may draw attention to senior drivers.

The driver can and should take safety precautions to allow for the increased amount of time it takes to react to the actions of other drivers such as staying at least three seconds behind any car. Additionally, all drivers should take steps to anticipate danger and react quickly.

All drivers, including senior drivers must drive defensively. This means to watch out for other drivers and drive defensively. Additionally, all drivers including senior drivers should make sure they are well rested before driving.

Any driver taking any medication should know how they react to the medication before they drive. This is particularly true of any new medication or change in dosage. Always, read warning labels and check with you doctor to make sure that it will not interfere with safe driving.

As we age, our vision changes. It is critical to have regular eye exams to prevent or minimize any vision impairments which might lead to an accident which may initiate a California DMV admistrative action against a senior's driver license.

Finally, it is important not to drive when upset or grieving. Preoccupation with life issues divides our attention and driving is a complex divided attention task.

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