State by State
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States vary in their approach to license renewal for older drivers. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have special provisions in place for older driver’s license renewal. Several states require in-person renewal of a driver’s license in combination with a shorter renewal period for older drivers. In 2012, Maryland extended its license renewal for all drivers from five to eight years; there are currently no special provisions in place for older drivers.
State |
Standard Renewal |
Age-based Requirements |
Illinois |
4 years |
Every 2 years beginning at 81 years; Annually beginning at 87 years |
Iowa |
5 years |
Every 2 years beginning at 70 years; In-person renewal |
Hawaii |
8 years |
Every 2 years beginning at 72 years |
Maryland |
8 years |
None |
New York |
8 years |
None |
Wisconsin |
8 years |
None |
Comparison of Select States License Renewal Frequency
Wisconsin
Older Drivers Would Have To Renew Licenses Every 4-Years
December 10, 2013
Journal Times editorial: Proposal to test senior drivers’ vision is reasonable
Massachusetts
Massachusetts legislature has cut the renewal period for drivers 75 and older in half, to five years, and requires in person renewals, and a vision exam.
Proposed legislation would add a road (or simulated) test for those 85 and up.
Federal agencies recommend that states improve licensing policies for older drivers. Driver licensing is a state function with no federal oversight. The aging baby boom generation and the results of federally funded research have prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to urge State Departments of Motor Vehicles to develop renewal procedures specifically for older drivers, including:
• Accelerated Renewal Cycles
• In Person Renewals
• Screening Such As Vision Or Road Tests (not routinely required of younger drivers)
NHTSA recommends enhanced training programs for law enforcement officers and health care providers on when and how to refer older drivers to the Medical Advisory Board; and for MVA counter staff to identify cues of possible physical or cognitive impairments that can interfere with a driver’s ability to drive safely.
In new proposed guidelines, NHTSA recommends that states implement driver-licensing policies to address older driver safety:
· In person renewal should be required of individual drivers over a specified age that the State determines based on an analysis of their individual crash records.
· Medical review policies should align with the Driver Fitness Medical Guidelines published by NHTSA and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
Medical providers of all kinds who provide a referral regarding a driver in good faith to the driver licensing authority should be provided immunity from civil liability.
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