Seniors in Florida are not required to take a driving test when renewing their licenses, unless there’s a concern about their ability to operate a vehicle safely. However, older adults who are suspected of being unfit to drive due to health or cognitive issues may need to pass a knowledge test or a road test to keep their driving privileges.
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you should know about the Florida driving test for seniors, including how to increase your odds of passing. Let’s dive in.
Do Senior Citizens Have to Take a Driving Test in Florida?
If you’re a senior driver, the FLHSMV may initiate a medical review if a family member or someone else suspects you can no longer drive safely. As part of this process, you might need to take a knowledge exam and/or road test to demonstrate that you’re still fit to drive. If you don’t comply, your license could be suspended or revoked.
The FLHSMV may also require a driving test in the following circumstances:
- Severe vision problems, such as blindness in one or both eyes.
- Driving privileges previously suspended for health reasons.
- Multiple crashes or close calls in a short time frame.
- Following a DUI or medical episode (e.g., heart attack) that occurred while driving.
Suppose you’ve had a stroke, and your license was temporarily suspended due to concerns about your ability to drive safely. After you recover, you may need to retake both the written and road tests to reinstate your driving privileges.
When a Driving Test Is Not Required
Most seniors only need to pass a vision check and, in some cases, a hearing screening, as part of the license renewal process. In this case, no driving test of any kind is required. However, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) may require additional tests on a case-by-case basis.
Here’s how it works:
- Drivers aged 79 and younger: If you’re under 79, you must renew your driver’s license every eight years. This process can be completed online or in person and involves filling out some forms (more on that later). Applicants must also undergo a vision examination at every other renewal.
- Drivers aged 80 and older: If you’re 80 or older, you must renew your license every six years. To do that, it’s necessary to pass a vision test and then submit the results online or in person at a Florida driver license service center. Applicants who renew their licenses in person must also pass a hearing test.
In either scenario, you can have your vision tested at a driver license service center for free. If you’re eligible for online license renewal, you may ask your physician or any other state-licensed medical doctor or optometrist to conduct the examination. After that, you or your doctor must submit the results to the FLHSMV.
Read: Elderly Drivers in Florida: 8 Things to Know
DMV Renewal Test for Seniors: What You Need to Know
The DMV renewal test in Florida is called the Class E Knowledge Exam, and it consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the Florida Driver’s Handbook. It covers topics like traffic signs and signals, special driving situations, speed limits, and the rules of the road. To pass, you must answer at least 40 questions correctly within 60 minutes.
Seniors who must take the knowledge test for license renewal can do it at an FLHSMV service center or through an approved third-party administrator, such as a licensed driving school. If you choose the latter, you may be randomly selected for a mandatory retest at a service center.
Note that you can’t take the test online. This option is only available to teens under 18 who are getting their learner’s permit.
How to Prepare for the Class E Knowledge Exam
The knowledge test isn’t particularly difficult for senior drivers, since many have years of experience behind the wheel. Still, a quick refresher can be helpful, especially when it comes to Florida’s traffic laws, which may have changed over time.
Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the exam and pass on the first try:
- Review the Florida Driver’s Handbook: This study guide covers everything you need to pass the test, including information on recent traffic laws. Read it thoroughly, take notes, and revisit the topics you’re familiar with.
- Take practice tests: Quizlet and other websites feature practice tests with questions similar to those on the actual exam. Take as many tests as you need in order to feel confident and address any weak areas.
- Sign up for a mature driver course: Florida seniors aged 55+ can take a Florida mature driver course to refresh their knowledge of traffic laws and qualify for car insurance discounts. The course focuses on defensive driving, but a lot of what you’ll learn can be helpful on the exam.
- Revisit the rules of the road: Pay attention to traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and any recent updates to Florida’s traffic laws. These topics come up often on the knowledge test, so being familiar with them can improve your odds of success.
Just one more piece of advice: don’t rush. Read each question carefully, even if the answer seems obvious.
Read: How the Florida Mature Driver Course Works
DMV Road Test for Seniors: Tips and Facts
Some seniors must take a road test when renewing their licenses. This is often the case for those who have or are suspected to have health conditions that affect their ability to operate a vehicle.
A typical road test takes eight to 15 minutes or slightly longer and involves driving under the supervision of an FLHSMV examiner. In some cases, the FLHSMV may require an extended road test, which consists of three standard driving tests in a row. This gives the examiner more time to see how well you handle longer periods behind the wheel.
First, you’ll have your vehicle checked for safety. If everything looks good, you’ll get the green light to start the test.
The examiner will ask you to perform driving maneuvers like signaling before making a turn, giving the right-of-way at intersections, and parking on a hill. Once the test is over, they’ll tell you what mistakes you made and whether you passed or failed.
Depending on the outcome, the FLHSMV will either suspend your license or allow you to retain your driving privileges, though certain restrictions may apply (e.g., no nighttime driving).
Read: How Does Age Affect Driving?
How to Prepare for the Road Test
Aging affects everyone differently. For some people, it can make it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle, stay focused, or react quickly to hazards. That’s why you should prepare thoroughly for the Florida road test—even if you’re an experienced driver.
Here are some things you can do to help you succeed:
Take a Mature Driver Course
A Florida mature driver course will teach you how to manage age-related driving challenges, anticipate road hazards, and avoid distractions. You’ll also learn strategies for handling unexpected situations, such as when careless drivers cut you off in traffic.
If you complete a state-approved course, your auto insurance provider will lower your rates by 5-15%. They are legally required to do so, per Section 627.0652, Florida Statutes. The discount is valid for three consecutive years and could save you thousands of dollars.
Read: How and Why to Take the Mature Driver Course Online in Florida
Practice Driving with an Instructor
When you’ve been driving for years, it’s easy to overlook small mistakes like slipping through a rolling stop or forgetting to signal. These slipups can cost you points on the road test and potentially lead to license suspension.
A driving instructor can help you recognize and correct those habits you might not even realize you have. They’ll also walk you through the test format so you can better understand what the examiner is looking for.
Get Coaching from AAA or AARP
Look into the training programs offered by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and other organizations. One example is AAA’s RoadWise Driver, which covers topics like defensive driving, road rage, crash prevention, and the effects of alcohol on driving performance. The course is designed for seniors and can be taken online or in person.
Similarly, the AARP Smart Driver Course teaches seniors how to compensate for age-related changes, manage distractions, and navigate the roads safely. Whether you study online or in a classroom setting, you’ll get practical tips you can apply right away.
These courses may qualify you for insurance discounts as well, but unlike an FLHSMV-approved mature driver course, this isn’t guaranteed. Be sure to check with your insurance company for more details.
Address Vision and Hearing Concerns
If you have vision or hearing problems, address them before your road test. Make sure your prescription is up-to-date, and wear corrective lenses or hearing aids during the test if needed.
For reference, the FLHSMV requires a minimum visual acuity of 20/70 in one or both eyes together, with or without prescription glasses or contacts. If you are blind in one eye, the other eye must have a visual acuity of at least 20/40.
Consider a CarFit Assessment
Learn to adjust your vehicle to your needs with a free CarFit assessment. During this event, trained experts will show you how to position your seat belt, head restraint, side mirrors, and other safety features for better control and improved comfort behind the wheel.
A CarFit assessment takes around half an hour and requires driving to the event location. Alternatively, you can register for a live CarFit Virtual workshop and participate from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
What to Bring to the FLHSMV When Renewing Your Driver’s License
Ready to renew your Florida driver’s license? Start by creating a MyDMV account to check whether you’re eligible for online renewal.
If you qualify for this option, fill out an online form and follow the instructions provided. Senior drivers aged 80 or older who are eligible to renew their licenses online must first have their vision test results submitted electronically to the FLHSMV by a healthcare professional.
To renew your license in person, book an appointment at an FLHSMV service center. Be sure to bring the following documents:
- Your current driver’s license.
- Proof of identification (e.g., U.S. passport or birth certificate).
- Proof of residential address (bring two documents, such as a bank statement and a utility bill).
- Social Security Number (e.g., Social Security card, Form 1099).
- Mature Driver Vision Test form (if applicable).
- Report of Eye Exam form (if applicable).
- A credit card for paying the license renewal fee ($48).
Seniors who must take a knowledge exam or road test may need to submit additional documents, such as proof of vehicle registration.
Take Defensive Driving with Traffic Safety Institute
The Florida driving test for seniors requires a solid understanding of traffic laws, as well as a solid grasp of defensive driving techniques. That’s where Traffic Safety Institute can help.
Our Florida mature driver course is designed to refresh your knowledge of traffic laws, defensive driving best practices, right-of-way rules, and other things all drivers should know. But that’s not all.
Upon completion, you’ll be eligible for an auto insurance discount of 5-15%. Whether you’re with Geico, Progressive, Nationwide, or another provider, you can submit your certificate to your insurer to have the discount applied for three consecutive years.
Seniors who choose Traffic Safety Institute get 24/7 support and access to online tools that make learning easier. We’re one of the few online schools to offer perks like:
✅ Unlimited course retakes
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ User-friendly interface
✅ Self-paced learning from any device
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Live chat support around the clock
✅ Instant electronic certificate
✅ $100 savings guarantee
Did we mention that you can start the mature driver insurance discount course for free? That’s right.
At Traffic Safety Institute, you pay only after you pass. Our flat fee of only $25.99 covers everything you need to successfully complete the course.
Ace your driving test with Traffic Safety Institute. Enroll in our course for FREE today.
FAQs about the Florida Driving Test for Seniors
Looking for more information about the Class E Knowledge Exam or behind-the-wheel test? Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions:
What is the cognitive driving test for seniors?
In Florida, there’s no such thing as a cognitive driving test for seniors. If you hear the term, it’s most likely referring to the Class E Knowledge Exam—the written portion of the driving test.
What is the age limit to drive in Florida?
Florida, or any other state, for that matter, doesn’t have an upper age limit for driving. You can keep your license indefinitely, as long as you’re fit to drive and meet renewal requirements.
Is a road test the same as a driving test?
Generally, yes, but it depends on the context. While “road test” and “driving test” are often used interchangeably, “driving test” can also refer to both the written knowledge exam and the behind-the-wheel assessment.
