Will You Actually Have to Retake a Driving Test?
For many seniors, this is the biggest concern—and the good news is that in most cases, the answer is no.
Currently, very few states require automatic road tests based solely on age. Illinois has historically been the main exception, requiring drivers aged 79 and older to pass a behind-the-wheel test to renew their license.
However, that rule is changing…
Starting July 1, 2026, Illinois will eliminate mandatory road tests for drivers aged 79 to 86. Instead, road testing requirements will shift to begin at age 87.
This reflects a broader trend: states are moving away from automatic road tests and focusing more on vision and general health checks instead.
I totally agree with you Richard L.
when it comes to us that follow the rules. Not about Age, yeah some need Special needs
like maybe Lee, but that applies to almost everything in life Some need it So Your
Doc should recommend that if He deems Necessary for his Patient’s needs. I myself can
Drive better than most young adults or almost any Illegal, my Eyes are Perfect as are my reflexes
And long as there been cars, this is the best they can do
to figure out what needs fixing ? Get It Together….
Yes you Are Right Richard…. Wizard2465
Yet illegal invaders are allowed to drive all over America, often killing innocent drivers what ever their age. I will not be complying until this injustice is rectified.
The last time I renewed my driver’s license I did it online and they renewed it until I will be 83. I was appalled. In the first place, I am a special case and have to have special documentation to get a license as I only have one eye with vision. frankly, my body is put together with titanium. I couldn’t believe that they renewed my license for 10 years at that age without me having to show any proof that I have not deteriorated. I mean, I hate to admit it, but I’ve got six more years to go on that license and they need to be checking up on me. In fact I’ve made an appointment with an eye doctor as I think that I need a little stronger glasses. Lee Ivesnow I am a lucky individual that despite my limitations I am very mobile and show no signs of mental disability or even mental fatigue. I am a retired attorney and a math teacher. I still work, but it made me afraid to be out on the road. I know a lot of people my age that I don’t think should be driving. I play a certain game of cards that requires great mental acuity. It is a game that is usually played by older people as it is time intensive, and a lot of them play at every single day of the week. The joy of the game is not making money it’s making points so you have bragging rights on how brilliant you are. All of those people are spot on mentally but there are so many of them that can barely get from one table to the next to play the next hand of cards. I’m 77. I have a permanent disability license plate and I think it’s important that they keep an eye on old people like me. And that is my $.77 worth.
At 74 and moving back to California, I simply renewed my CA DMV CDL with no problems at the local DMV office, and as expected, I was given only a vision test which I passed 100% without using any glasses or contact lenses and I didn’t need to pass a CA DMV CDL written test because I had just passed it with 100% two years before. But when I got home and checked my DMV “Temporary CDL”, it showed a restriction on it which indicates that I must wear corrective lenses while driving. Why? Is this is a mistake on their end, or something else?
That is discriminating when you say 60(t) you have people under 60 what these same issues and they can just continue to renew,. It needs to be case by case depending on the person.
In MN you have to take an eye test every time you renew your license.
83 in fl need to take test?
im 67 and still drive for a living i have seen some cases where a senior driver is too slow on the freeway or making a turn going the wrong way i think there are some cases where some people should be re tested but its not always the senior if people would put down the phone things would be better
i need to do eye test dath i no is mandatry do i have to do more examine i am 85 yaers old
Hi Stephan, great question.
There’s no federal law in the U.S. that says all 85-year-olds must retake a driving test—it depends on the state you live in.
In many states, older drivers may need to renew their license in person and pass a vision test. Some states may also require a written test or, in certain cases, a road test.
For example, California requires in-person renewal for older drivers, while Texas requires drivers 85+ to renew every two years with a vision test.
It’s best to check your state’s DMV website for the latest rules.
Stay safe on the road!
Very up-to-date and getting off the road elders who can’t walk without help don’t also drive!!!
You can drive very well even if you can’t walk.