Driving Examinations

No, seniors do not have to take a special driving test to prove they can drive, but they may be asked to submit a medical form proving they are fit to drive. They may also be asked to take an eye exam each time they renew their license.

According to the U.S. Census and the Federal Highway Administration, 85 is when most seniors stop driving. That said, it can differ from person to person. Some seniors may need to stop sooner than that.

If you notice they are having a delayed response time while driving, are having trouble seeing, are easily distracted, are getting lost, or their driving habits have changed, it may be time for them to stop driving. More frequent dents and dings on the car can also be a sign that driving is no longer safe for them.

Age-related vision changes can impact how you see your dashboard and how streetlights look and make it difficult to see at night. This can make it difficult to see lane markings, signs, and pedestrians, increasing the chance of possible accidents.

In general, if your vision is 20/200 or worse in one eye, you are not allowed to drive. The exact vision standards can differ by state, but 20/200 is the standard. If you are blind or have 20/200 vision in one eye, the other eye must be 20/40 or better.

Age can affect your vision, hearing, and reflexes, making it more difficult to see objects and people on the street, hear potential hazards, or react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Strength issues and arthritis can also make it harder to drive and steer.

As the cornea ages and the lens becomes less clear, it can be harder to see at night. Any light can scatter in the eye, causing a glare and making vision while driving very difficult at night. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and the natural aging process can all affect how well you see at night.

In Delaware, there are now routine vision tests and regular renewals required for senior drivers. This not only ensures they are safe to drive but also decreases the risks of accidents and injuries for senior drivers and other drivers on the road.

The best glasses for driving with macular degeneration are bioptic telescope glasses. These innovative glasses have a small telescope on each lens, improving distance vision while maintaining peripheral vision.