Senior Driving Resources
AAA is committed to providing senior drivers the tools they need to navigate through life safely.
AAA Resources
AAA’s Roadwise Driver is an online course to help Members keep their driving knowledge fresh and get the most out of their vehicles while reducing risk to drivers, their passengers, and others on the road. Refresh your driving skills from the comfort of home or wherever you have an Internet connection.
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Know the Laws in California
A rapidly growing number of senior drivers on our nation’s highways has prompted many states to develop special tools, programs and resources to assist older adults and their families to better manage safe driving.
Many states also have enacted driver’s licensing laws with special provisions for older adults. Summarized below are programs and licensing laws that exist in the great state of California.
Licensing policies for older adults vary from state to state. In California, motorists are required to renew their driver’s licenses every five years. At every in-person renewal, a person must pass a vision test. Until age 70, only two successive renewals may be made by mail if a person does not wish to visit the California driver’s license office. However, the licensing renewal process for older adults includes the following condition:
- Limited renewal options. People age 70 and older must apply in person for every renewal.
Almost every state, including California, has a process for reporting a potentially unsafe driver to its licensing office or department of motor vehicles. Law enforcement officers and physicians represent the majority of individuals submitting reports, although concerned citizens also can do so. If a state agency finds a complaint reasonable and credible, it may ask the reported driver to submit additional information, which could be used to help determine if a screening or assessment is justified.
Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about the process and possible outcomes. You will be required to provide your name and contact information.
CALIFORNIA DMV OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has created a Senior Ombudsman Program designed to help keep older drivers on the road as long as safely possible. The program has four statewide ombudsmen who can help older drivers with specific concerns about driving. The program is designed to ensure that senior drivers are treated in a fair and consistent manner regarding licensing laws and regulations.
AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
Driving specialists and occupational therapists specialize in driver rehabilitation and can help identify a driver’s visual, physical and cognitive health, and they can make recommendations to limit risks. Find a driving specialist in your area.
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