Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
By Brenda Lyle
Q: How old is too old to drive?
A: For many older adults, the battle for independence is fought behind the wheel. Losing the ability to drive can affect daily life, social connections, and overall confidence, which is why most seniors give up the keys only when they have no other choice.
Staying safe behind the wheel begins with good health. Aging can affect vision, hearing, reaction time, and mobility, and certain medical conditions may increase these challenges. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetes can impair eyesight, while neuropathy and arthritis may limit reaction time and range of motion. Some medications can also cause drowsiness or dizziness, further impacting driving ability. Regular medical visits and frank conversations with healthcare providers about medication side effects are essential. In Florida, drivers age 80 and older must renew their license in person every six years and pass a vision test. There are over 7,000 licensed drivers aged 80 or older in Brevard County and nearly 10,000 in Seminole County.
Keeping driving skills sharp can help extend safe driving years. Organizations such as AARP offer driver safety courses both online and in person. The CarFit program, developed by the American Society on Aging with partners including AAA and AARP, helps older drivers adjust their vehicles for better comfort and safety by evaluating seating, mirrors, and seatbelt positioning. You may get a discount on your car insurance once you pass the course and provide proof of course completion to your insurance company.
Some insurance companies (or physicians) may ask seniors for a detailed Certified Driver Evaluation (CDE), particularly following an increase in accidents or traffic violations or new diagnosis. Conducted by a Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist, this includes a clinical assessment of physical, visual, and cognitive abilities, often followed by a driving test. Afterwards, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle may mandate equipment modifications optimized for older drivers, such as seat cushions or hand controls. They may also restrict driving during nighttime and note this on your driver’s license.
If someone reports your driving as unsafe, you will receive a letter from the DMV which will require a physician’s evaluation of your physical and cognitive abilities. The physician will have to certify that it is safe for you to continue driving. If the form isn’t returned or if the physician does not certify your driving ability, your license will be revoked. You can swap your driver’s license for a Florida ID by visiting the DMV in person.
You don’t have to wait for an accident to take a safe driving course. AARP holds classes at One Senior Place in Viera and Altamonte Springs. Call 321-751-6771 and keep the keys to your independence.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging
