Senior Driving Tests
Stay safe + insured.
Refresher courses
- AARP Smart Driver — 6-hour online course $20-30. Insurance discount in most states.
- AAA RoadWise Driver — similar. Senior-focused.
- State-sponsored courses — many free for 55+.
- Insurance discount typically 5-15% for 3 years after completion.
- Must be 50/55/60 depending on state.
Self-evaluation signs
- Family makes nervous comments about your driving.
- Multiple recent fender-benders or close calls.
- Get lost on familiar routes.
- Slow reaction to traffic lights.
- Confused at intersections.
- Riding brake constantly.
- Trouble seeing road at night.
- Drift across lane lines.
- Trouble turning head to check blind spots.
Professional evaluations
- OT-trained Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) — comprehensive assessment $200-500. Find at aded.net.
- Driving evaluation by physician — sometimes covered by insurance.
- Cognitive testing — ask doctor about MoCA test.
- Hospital programs — many neurology dept offer driving evaluation.
Adaptations to extend driving
- Pedal extender ($40-80) — for shorter people.
- Steering wheel cover for grip.
- Seat cushion / wedge for visibility.
- Hand controls — for limited leg mobility.
- Backup camera retrofit ($100-300).
- Blind spot mirrors — $5-15 stick-on.
- Avoid driving — at night, in rain, in rush hour.
When to stop driving
Hard conversation. Things to consider:
- Doctor recommends.
- Family + you both honestly say it's time.
- Can't drive at night safely.
- Multiple accidents in a year.
- Memory issues prevent driving safely.
- Better to retire driving early than after a tragedy.
After driving — keep mobility
Stopping driving doesn't mean isolation. See /tools/rideshare-for-seniors. Many Medicare Advantage plans include free rides. Senior centers run shuttle programs. Family can help. Don't equate "no car" with "no life".