Driving is about more than getting from place to place. For many people, it means independence, seeing friends and running errands on your own schedule. Many older adults drive safely well into their 80s and beyond. Age itself does not decide whether someone can drive safely, but changes that come with age can.
How aging can affect driving
- Vision: difficulty seeing at night, more sensitivity to glare and conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
- Hearing: missing horns or sirens.
- Reaction time: slower responses to sudden changes.
- Flexibility and strength: harder to turn your head to check blind spots, or to press the brake quickly.
- Medicines: some cause drowsiness or slow reactions.
- Health conditions: such as arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease or memory problems.
Stay a safe driver
- Get your eyes checked every one to two years, or as your eye doctor advises.
- Get your hearing checked.
- Review your medicines with your doctor or pharmacist, and ask whether any affect driving.
- Stay active to keep your strength and flexibility. Neck and shoulder stretches help you check blind spots.
- Take a refresher course. Classes for older drivers, in person or online, review rules of the road and safe driving techniques. Many auto insurers offer a discount for completing one; ask yours.
Adjust your car
- Position your seat and mirrors so you can see well and reach the pedals comfortably.
- Consider features such as larger mirrors, a backup camera, blind-spot warnings and automatic emergency braking.
- Free "CarFit" events, offered in many communities, check how well your car fits you.
Adjust how and when you drive
- Drive during daylight and avoid rush hour, if you can.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow or fog.
- Plan routes with fewer left turns across traffic, which are a common cause of crashes for older drivers.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead.
- Avoid distractions, including your phone.
Warning signs it may be time to cut back
- Getting lost on familiar routes.
- Close calls or new dents and scratches on the car.
- Trouble staying in your lane, judging gaps in traffic or seeing signs.
- Feeling nervous or overwhelmed while driving.
- Friends or family expressing concern.
- Traffic tickets or warnings.
If you notice these signs, talk with your doctor about a driving evaluation.
License renewal rules
Each state sets its own rules for renewing a driver's license. Some require vision tests or in-person renewals at certain ages. Check with your state's motor vehicle agency before your license expires.
Other ways to get around
Planning alternatives before you need them makes the change easier:
- Public transportation, often with reduced fares for older riders.
- Paratransit services for people with disabilities.
- Volunteer driver programs and senior transportation services, often found through your Area Agency on Aging.
- Taxis and rideshare services.
- Rides with family and friends; offer to pay for gas.
See senior discounts worth asking about for transit discounts.
For families
If you are worried about a loved one's driving, raise the subject gently and early, focus on safety rather than age and suggest a professional evaluation. Offer specific help with rides so the change does not mean isolation.
