When is it time for elderly drivers to stop driving? (Expert Advice for 2024)
Determining when elderly drivers should stop driving involves considering factors beyond age, such as reaction times, vision, and cognitive health. In fact, there is no average age for the elderly to stop driving. Many 80-year-olds can drive safely, but elderly driver laws may impose stricter renewal requirements.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 25, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 25, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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Determining when it is time for elderly drivers to stop driving involves assessing factors beyond age. While experience often makes older drivers safer, issues like slower reaction times, diminished eyesight, and overall health can impact driving ability. States have different regulations regarding license renewals for older drivers, including more frequent in-person renewals, vision tests, or written exams after a certain age.
This guide explores the crucial indicators that signal it might be time to reassess driving privileges and provides insights into state-specific renewal rules to ensure safety on the road.
Driving is a normal and important aspect of the lives of many adults. When you get older, however, you may not be able to safely get behind the wheel. Auto insurance for seniors often takes into account the unique concerns and needs of people over the age of 65 when it comes to driving.
- Age isn’t the sole factor; assess reaction times and eyesight for driving safety
- State regulations vary; renewals may require vision tests or in-person visits
- No set age for stopping; individual health and signs are key considerations
There are many differences between an 18-year-old driver and a senior citizen; an 18-year-old has much faster reaction times, but a senior citizen has a lifetime of experience driving.
Age alone doesn't determine when it's time to stop driving. It’s crucial to regularly assess reaction times, vision, and overall health to ensure safety on the road.
Jeff Root Licensed Insurance Agent
Years of driving experience tend to make senior citizens better drivers and as such, they enjoy cheaper car insurance rates than teenagers (who are more likely to be involved in a serious accident), or younger adults until they are 70 years old.
Nevertheless, aging drivers aren’t always fit to operate a vehicle.
It can be difficult to lose that independence, but it’s important to be aware of the risks you face and prioritize safety as an older driver.
This can help you and your family members make an informed decision about whether or not it’s time for elderly drivers to stop driving. You can compare auto insurance rates whether you’re 17 or 70 with our FREE search tool now.
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Elderly Drivers Statistics
Several institutions have collected data about senior drivers to help determine when should the elderly stop driving, what additional risks they face as older drivers, and how age can impact safety on the road:
- The CDC found that there were 7,400 adults aged 65-plus killed and more than 290,000 of the same group treated in emergency departments due to motor vehicle crashes in 2016;
- This amounted to an average of 20 older adults killed and 794 injured every day;
- Involvement in fatal crashes per mile traveled increased between the ages of 70 and 74 and peaked among drivers 85 and older.
- In 2016, there were 42 million licensed older drivers, a 56 percent increase from 1999.
- Drivers aged 70 to 74 had a driving life expectancy of about 11 years.
- Drivers 70 and over are 13 percent more likely to file a claim than individuals in their 40s or 50s, and, as such, are likely to see a price spike after the age of 70.
- About 68 percent of drivers aged 85 or over reported driving five or more days per week.
Drivers aged 80 and over might not be able to find an insurance company willing to insure them.
Elderly Driving Laws by State
State laws vary significantly regarding elderly driving regulations. While there is no maximum driving age by state, many states have implemented specific requirements for older drivers. These may include more frequent car insurance renewal processes, mandatory vision tests, or driving tests for those over a certain age.
Elderly Drivers Full Coverage Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider, Age, & Gender
| Insurance Company | Age: 60 Female | Age: 60 Male | Age: 65 Female | Age: 65 Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $150 | $154 | $158 | $157 |
| American Family | $104 | $105 | $113 | $114 |
| Farmers | $120 | $128 | $136 | $136 |
| Geico | $73 | $74 | $78 | $78 |
| Liberty Mutual | $148 | $159 | $167 | $170 |
| Nationwide | $99 | $104 | $111 | $112 |
| Progressive | $92 | $95 | $109 | $103 |
| State Farm | $76 | $76 | $84 | $84 |
| Travelers | $89 | $90 | $96 | $97 |
| USAA | $53 | $53 | $58 | $57 |
Understanding state-specific elderly driver laws is crucial to meet requirements for safe driving. For additional guidance, see our “Driving Tips for Road Safety” to help ensure continued safety on the road.
Is there an age limit for car insurance and driving?
There is no upper age limit for drivers in the U.S. Individual states have their own laws and licensing requirements for older adults, though.
Depending on where you live, you may have to renew your driver’s license in person instead of via the mail or online; pass a written or practical driving test; take a vision test or eye exam, or renew your license more frequently after a certain age.
Each state is a bit different.
For example, California allows automatic two-year license renewals until age 70. After 70, renewals must be in person, with a written test and an eye exam.
In Florida, there is no change until the age of 80, when licenses can only be renewed every six years instead of every eight, and an eye exam is required.
Georgia is similar, except instead of 80, renewals change to 59, changing from eight years to five. At age 64, eye exams are required for renewals.
New York has no changes. Everyone can renew their license every eight years.
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Understanding Senior Driving and Car Insurance
As drivers age, various factors influence when they should stop driving, but there is no maximum driving age by state. Instead, each state has its regulations for car insurance renewal, often requiring vision tests or in-person renewals. While the average age at which seniors stop driving varies, some can still drive after 90 years old.
However, finding car insurance for drivers over 90 years old can be challenging. For those driving after 90 years old, exploring insurance options may require extra effort., as not all car insurance companies are willing to insure seniors at this age. This raises the question, is car insurance higher for elderly drivers?
Elderly Drivers Full Coverage Car Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider, Age, & Gender
| Insurance Company | Age: 60 Female | Age: 60 Male | Age: 65 Female | Age: 65 Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $150 | $154 | $158 | $157 |
| American Family | $104 | $105 | $113 | $114 |
| Farmers | $120 | $128 | $136 | $136 |
| Geico | $73 | $74 | $78 | $78 |
| Liberty Mutual | $148 | $159 | $167 | $170 |
| Nationwide | $99 | $104 | $111 | $112 |
| Progressive | $92 | $95 | $109 | $103 |
| State Farm | $76 | $76 | $84 | $84 |
| Travelers | $89 | $90 | $96 | $97 |
| USAA | $53 | $53 | $58 | $57 |
For those seeking the best car insurance for elderly drivers, it’s crucial to explore options among the best car insurance companies for elderly drivers. Remember, there is no age limit for car insurance, so finding the right coverage is essential for car insurance for elderly drivers. To ensure the best rates, always compare car insurance quotes across multiple providers.
Finding the best car insurance involves thorough research and comparison, especially for car insurance for elderly drivers. Use car insurance comparison sites to explore various options and make informed decisions.
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Average Age to Stop Driving
There is no true average age for the elderly to stop driving, as age is only one factor for determining when seniors should stop driving. Of course, that means there is no age limit for driving, either.
Every person is different and has unique health concerns and needs that will help determine this, as someone who is 80 may be more fit to continue driving than someone who is 55; it all depends on the individual.
Signs Seniors Should Stop Driving
There are certain signs to pay attention to if you or a loved one is an elderly driver to help determine when an elderly person should stop driving.
If these signs resonate with you or a loved one, consider talking with them to see if they still feel comfortable and competent behind the wheel. These signs include:
- Not stopping at stop signs or red lights;
- Stopping at green lights;
- Getting lost;
- Accidents like sideswiping cars when trying to park;
- Erratic speed control;
- Road rage or stress while driving;
- Difficulty changing lanes or merging.
As stated before, age is not the sole element that indicates someone should stop driving. Instead, other warning signs, while related to somebody’s age, are what should be observed and used to make determining factors.
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This is supported by state law, to a degree; while some states have different rules for senior citizens in regards to how they renew their driving license, age is not an automatic disqualification.
In fact, drivers between the ages of 50 and 70 often enjoy deep discounts on their car insurance.
Just because a senior stops driving doesn’t mean they have to lose their independence.
With public transportation, family, on-demand services like Uber and Lyft, and driverless cars on the horizon, even a seniors who can no longer drive themselves can get around town. If you need to compare rates to save on auto insurance for seniors, you can use our FREE comparison tool now.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is too old to drive?
There is no specific age that is considered “too old” to drive. The ability to drive safely depends on individual factors such as health, reaction time, and vision rather than age alone. Regular assessments and monitoring are essential for determining when it’s time to stop driving.
Can a 90-year-old get car insurance?
Yes, a 90-year-old can get car insurance, but it may be more challenging. Some insurance companies may decline coverage due to the increased risk associated with age. It’s important to shop around and compare quotes from different providers to find coverage.
What percentage of 90-year-olds drive?
While specific percentages vary, studies show that a significant number of 90-year-olds continue to drive. However, the percentage declines sharply compared to younger senior age groups as driving ability often decreases with advanced age.
What percentage of 85-year-olds still drive?
Approximately 68% of drivers aged 85 or older report driving five or more days per week. This shows that many seniors in this age group remain active drivers, though their numbers decline compared to younger seniors.
What is the maximum age for a driver’s license?
There is no maximum age for holding a driver’s license in the U.S. However, states may have specific renewal requirements for older drivers, such as vision tests or in-person renewals, to ensure they remain capable of driving safely.
At what age can you no longer drive?
There is no legally mandated age at which a person must stop driving. The decision to stop driving should be based on individual health and safety considerations rather than age alone. Regular assessments can help determine when it’s time to stop driving.
How many car accidents are caused by elderly drivers?
Elderly drivers are involved in a smaller proportion of car accidents overall, but the rate of fatal crashes per mile traveled increases after age 70, peaking among drivers 85 and older. This suggests an increased risk with age, especially in advanced years.
How often do seniors have to renew their driver’s licenses?
Renewal requirements vary by state. Some states require seniors to renew their driver’s licenses more frequently, such as every two to five years, and may require vision tests or in-person renewals after a certain age.
Is there a special DMV test for seniors in California?
Yes, in California, seniors aged 70 and older must renew their licenses in person and may be required to take a written knowledge test and undergo a vision test. These requirements ensure that seniors maintain the necessary skills and abilities to drive safely.
At what age do most seniors give up driving?
The age at which most seniors give up driving varies widely based on individual health and abilities. While some may stop driving in their 70s, others continue well into their 80s or 90s. Personal health, reaction times, and confidence play crucial roles in this decision.
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Jeff Root
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jeff is a well-known speaker and expert in insurance and financial planning. He has spoken at top insurance conferences around the U.S., including the InsuranceNewsNet Super Conference, the 8% Nation Insurance Wealth Conference, and the Digital Life Insurance Agent Mastermind. He has been featured and quoted in Nerdwallet, Bloomberg, Forbes, U.S. News & Money, USA Today, and other leading fina...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.