New Driving Rules for Older Drivers to Start in July?

(KMDL-FM) On countless farms and ranches scattered across Louisiana, Texas, and most of the Deep South, people learn how to operate a motor vehicle early in life. A good number of us climbed behind the wheel of a farm truck or similar equipment long before we were "old enough," and on those dirt roads and in those fields, that's where we learned to drive.

Driving is a privilege that most of us don't take for granted. If you've ever been without your car while it was in the shop or you were unable to drive because of a medical issue circumstance you know how frustrating that inability to just "pick up and go" can be.

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As America's population continues to age and life expectancy continues to grow, there is a growing concern about America's driving population. Should there be a retesting of drivers once they get past a certain age?

Department of Transportation To Require Older Drivers to Retake Driving Test

You may have seen articles and stories online and on social media that proclaim the United States Department of Transportation is rolling out new laws that would require drivers over the age of 70 to undergo eye exams, road tests, and even cognitive screenings in order to hold on to their driver's license.

The articles even claim there will be a stair-step renewal process based on age. Drivers between the ages of 70 and 80 will be required to renew their license every four years. If you're between 81 and 86, the renewal requirement jumps to two years, and if you are 87 or older, you'd be required to undergo an annual exam and testing.

You would think such a shake-up in personal freedom and massive changes in driving laws would have garnered a lot more attention, wouldn't you? Well, the reason it hasn't is because those stories circulating on social media and online are incorrect. There is no national driver's license law that is being considered or has even been proposed.

Is There An Upper Age Limit to Obtain a Driver's License?

Each state determines the criteria for obtaining and maintaining the legal ability to operate a motor vehicle. For example:

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Texas: There is no upper age limit that would automatically disqualify someone from driving in Texas. However, once a person reaches the age of 79, they must renew their license in person and pass an eye exam. They will also be required to renew their license every two years instead of every six.

Louisiana: There is no upper age limit according to Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles. As long as a driver can meet the state's licensing requirements, they can legally operate a vehicle on Louisiana roadways. We should note that OMV can impose restrictions based on a medical or vision report. And all drivers over the age of 70 are given an eye exam upon renewal.  Other restrictions could be applied based on the observations of OMV personnel during road testing.

So, those reports you may have read or seen on social media are incorrect. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be paying attention to the driving skills and reaction times of older drivers in your family. Someday, it might be up to you to take the keys away for the safety of others and especially the safety of your loved one.