The issue of aging and driving

Everyone ages differently; however, the older we are, the more we face the possibility of declining cognitive, vision and physical abilities that can lead to risky driving behaviors. Older drivers in general are safe and are more likely to wear their seat belts than younger drivers, but they do face challenges. 

Older drivers face challenges 

• Senior citizens are more likely to get killed or injured because they are more easily injured and less able to recover from injuries. 
• Intersections can cause an elderly driver trouble, especially when gauging the speed of traffic on the lanes they will cross. 
• We all age differently. But by the age of 85, nearly all of us will see significant changes in our vision and physical abilities. 
• Most crashes involving older drivers happen during daylight. 

Addressing driving problems with older family members 

Most older drivers self-regulate fairly well; they voluntarily stop driving at night, in urban areas or far from home. If you have an older family member, we recommend you: 

• Pay attention to their driving. 
• Start the discussion of when to stop driving, and determine other transportation options. 

This can be a sensitive issue for many older drivers; giving up driving is difficult at best. Your older family members that are forced to stop driving will likely feel a lack of freedom and may suffer from depression. 

Actions to take if concerned about an older family member's driving:

Complete the request for examination of driver form  or write and sign a letter to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) outlining specific concerns. If you are related to the driver, your statement is confidential, and the evaluator will not reveal your identify, unless ordered to do so by a court of law. 

Your request must be in writing and include the following information: 

• Full name and date of birth of the at-risk driver; including the individual's driver's license number if it is available. 
• Description of the condition and explanation of why you believe the person to be an at-risk driver. 
• Your name, address and phone number. 

The request can be uploaded to DVS through the eServices webpage under the form submissions section. Select "upload miscellaneous forms" followed by "request for driver examination" and follow the prompts. The request can also be mailed to: 

Driver and Vehicle Services 
Attn: Medical Unit 
445 Minnesota Street Suite 170 
St. Paul, MN 55101-5170 

DVS will write the person and ask them to come in for an interview. 

• Based on the interview, DVS may request the driver to conduct a written and road test; submit a vision report; and/or submit a doctor’s statement verifying that they are physically qualified to drive within 30 days of the interview. 
• If no concerns arise during the interview — if the driver passes a road quiz and appears to be physically fine — they may not be required to do anything further to continue to drive. 
• If the person does not submit the requested statements or their vision/physical report is unsatisfactory, their driver’s license can be cancelled. 
• If the person is unable to pass the tests within the required time, their driver’s license is cancelled. 

Law enforcement officers also can send a request for review to DVS if they identify a driver who they believe should either re-test or be checked by a doctor.  

You can also talk to a family member's physician to see if the doctor has noticed the same problems.  If so, ask the doctor to submit a request for a written/road test to DVS.  If the physician sees the person is not physically qualified to drive, the doctor can notify the department to that effect and DVS can cancel the driver’s privileges.  

DVS can allow the person to keep driving with increased limitations such as roadway speed, daylight only, certain times of the day or within a set limit of miles from his or her home. They can also require follow-up doctors exams.  

Additional information about at-risk drivers is available.  

NHTSA Senior Driver Resources American Medical Association Older Driver Safety