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    When to Stop Driving

    Hardest decision. Most important conversation.

    Warning signs

    • Other drivers honk often.
    • Multiple recent fender-benders.
    • Get lost in familiar areas.
    • Confuse gas + brake.
    • Drift between lanes.
    • Miss stop signs / red lights.
    • Trouble checking blind spots.
    • Slow reactions to surprises.
    • Family afraid to ride with you.
    • Daytime sleepy + medication side effects.

    Self-assessment tools

    • AAA RoadWise Driver — free online assessment.
    • AARP Smart Driver Course — $25, may lower insurance.
    • Driver Rehabilitation Specialist — adriverdirectory.org. Professional eval.
    • Occupational Therapist — driving evaluation, may be Medicare covered.
    • Vision exam — annual after 65.
    • Hearing test — annual.

    Adjustments before stopping

    • Drive only daytime.
    • Avoid highways + rush hour.
    • No driving in rain/snow.
    • Drive only in known neighborhoods.
    • One destination per trip.
    • Newer car with safety tech (see below).
    • Limit distractions — no phone, radio low.

    Family conversation

    • Be honest, not confrontational.
    • Bring concerns to doctor — they can "prescribe" not driving.
    • Doctor letter to DMV in some states forces retest.
    • Self-policing better than family confrontation.
    • Don't shame — it's a loss of independence.
    • Plan transportation alternatives FIRST.

    Alternatives (essential)

    • Uber/Lyft — see /tools/rideshare-for-seniors.
    • GoGoGrandparent — call to book rideshare. No app.
    • Senior van services — Area Agency on Aging. Often FREE.
    • Volunteer driver programs — many local nonprofits.
    • Public transit — discounted senior fares.
    • Family + friends — establish weekly rides.
    • Grocery delivery — Instacart, Walmart+, Amazon Fresh.

    Save the savings

    Cost of car: $7K-15K/year (insurance, gas, maintenance, depreciation). Skipping car pays for plenty of Uber + groceries delivered. AAA cost-of-driving calculator helps decide. Many seniors find life MORE social without driving — friends drive them, less isolated.