For many older adults, driving isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B, but an essential component of independence. The problem is that operating a vehicle becomes increasingly difficult with age.
Here are eight things you should know about being an elderly driver in Florida—and what you can do to stay on the road longer.
Driver’s License Renewal Requirements Change at Age 80
In Florida, your driver’s license is valid for eight years. After the age of 80, you’re required to renew your license every six years instead of eight.
Here are a few things to know about the process:
- You can do it early: You may renew your driver’s license up to 18 months before it expires. Do it sooner rather than later to avoid potential delays and last-minute stress.
- You must pass a vision test: Drivers aged 80 or older must pass a vision test prior to renewing their licenses. This requirement applies to both online and in-person renewals. Ask your physician or eye doctor to electronically submit your vision test results to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
- You may be able to renew online. Floridians can renew their driver’s licenses online every other renewal period; however, not everyone is eligible for this option. Create a MyDMV account or log in to your existing account. Once logged in, you’ll see whether you can renew your driver’s license online.
If you fail the vision screening, you may not qualify for online license renewal. If a police officer, family member, physician, or other third party reports concerns about your driving, you may also be required to renew your license in person.
- You may have to take a hearing test: The FLHSMV requires elderly drivers who renew their licenses in person to take a hearing test. Schedule one with your doctor or wait until you arrive at the driver’s license service center. Failing the test won’t prevent you from renewing your license, but you’ll need to wear a hearing aid or add an outside rearview mirror to your car.
- If you’re unfit to drive you can get an ID card: If your health doesn’t allow you to drive safely, it may be time to surrender your license and apply for an ID card. This document serves as proof of identification and can be obtained from any driver license service center in the state.
Whether you renew your driver’s license online or in person, you’ll pay $48. If you apply for an ID card, you must pay $25.
Medical Conditions and Reports from Others Can Lead to License Restrictions
In Florida, any individual, state agency, or court of law can report concerns about a person’s ability to drive. For example, if a family member knows or suspects your driving is impacted by a medical condition, they may file a Medical Referral Form with the FLHSMV. Below are some examples of commonly reported conditions:
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Memory problems
- Severe visual impairment
- Sleep disorders
- Mental health disorders
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Uncontrolled diabetes
In such cases, the FLHSMV may initiate an investigation to determine if you’re fit to drive. This process may involve a knowledge test, road test, or medical examination, such as a vision screening or cognitive assessment.
A review panel will evaluate the results and take the following actions:
- Suspend or revoke your driver’s license
- Allow you to renew your license and keep driving
- Issue a new license with certain restrictions or special requirements, such as:
❌ No night driving
❌ No highway driving
✅ Automatic transmission only
✅ The use of corrective lenses, medical alert bracelets, or hearing aids
✅ Driving restricted to a designated area (e.g., within a 10-mile radius of your home).
✅ Vehicle modifications (e.g., left-foot accelerator, power steering, additional mirrors, hand controls)
The FLHSMV may also temporarily suspend your driver’s license or deny your renewal request. If, say, you’re under medical treatment for a psychiatric disorder, you may not be eligible to renew your license until your condition improves.
Read: How Does Age Affect Driving?
You Can Have Your Driving Professionally Assessed
Elderly drivers in Florida can choose to have their driving abilities assessed by a professional to determine their fitness to drive.
One such assessment is DriveABLE, a cognitive test administered by occupational therapists, physicians, geriatricians, and other medical professionals. It takes around 30-45 minutes and can accurately predict driving risk in individuals with cognitive deficits.
Another option is the Fitness-to-Drive Screening (FTDS), an online testing tool for primary physicians, caregivers, and family members of older drivers. You can also use it to assess your own driving ability to determine whether a professional evaluation is warranted.
You’re Eligible for Insurance Discounts at 55
Under Florida Statute §627.0652, drivers aged 55+ who complete a state-approved mature driver course are entitled to auto insurance discounts. The savings are valid for three years and range from 5% to 15%, depending on your insurance provider.
The Florida mature driver course takes six hours and can be completed online or in person. It revolves around safe driving practices, but it also covers topics like:
- Age-related changes that can affect driving ability.
- Florida traffic laws and regulations.
- The effects of medications on driving.
- Distraction avoidance techniques.
- Accident prevention and hazard recognition.
- Safety features on modern vehicles.
As far as pricing goes, expect to pay $20 to $70 or more, depending on the course provider.
At Traffic Safety Institute, we charge a flat fee of only $23.99, which covers the study materials, completion certificate, unlimited retakes, and everything else included in the course. Other schools have low upfront costs but add hidden fees later on.
Interested in finding out more? See our guide to the Florida mature driver insurance discount course before you sign up.
Adaptability & Mobility Programs Can Extend Your Driving
Adaptability and mobility programs can empower seniors to stay behind the wheel longer.
Here are some options worth considering:
Vehicle Modifications
Depending on your needs, you may equip your car with hand controls, steering knobs, seat cushions, pedal extensions, ramps, or other accessories.
For example, steering wheel knobs come in handy for older adults with limited arm strength. Pedal extensions can help you reach the gas and brake pedals more easily if you have limited leg mobility. You may also want to consider a seat cushion or back support, which can significantly improve your visibility and comfort.
Adaptive equipment can be costly, but you may be eligible for discounts, rebates, or tax deductions. If you have cognitive or physical disabilities requiring such modifications, consider reaching out to nonprofit organizations for financial assistance.
Disabled/Handicap Placards and Plates
Disabled parking permits can make it easier for older drivers to get where they’re going, even with impaired mobility. These permits are available to Florida drivers with physical impairments. They can be temporary (valid for up to six months or longer) or permanent (valid for four years). To get one, you need to submit an application form (HSMV 83039) completed and signed by a licensed physician, optometrist, or other medical professional to the FLHSMV.
If you’re legally blind or have a long-term disability, you can receive a permanent permit for free. Remember to renew it every four years to maintain your privileges. Temporary permits, which are issued to drivers with short-term mobility impairments, cost $15.
CarFit Program
CarFit is an educational program that offers free workshops, one-on-one sessions, and other resources to teach older adults how to adjust their cars for safer driving as they age. You’ll learn how to properly position your seat and mirrors, adjust the steering wheel for better control, and other helpful tips.
CarFit checks are performed by trained volunteers at locations across Florida and other states. You can also sign up for online events.
You Can Register Emergency Contact Info with the State
Florida’s Emergency Contact Information (ECI) system allows Florida drivers to register two emergency contacts with the FLHSMV. If you’re involved in a crash or have a medical incident, the police will immediately notify them.
You can register your emergency contact information online for free. Enter your date of birth and driver’s license or ID card number, then follow the instructions provided.
You Can Get a Disabled Parking Permit, but Only for Qualifying Conditions
It’s possible to obtain a disabled person parking placard for free or for as little as $15, depending on whether you need a permanent or temporary one. To qualify for a permanent permit, you must be legally blind or have a diagnosed disability like:
- Significant difficulty walking without an assistive device or help from another person
- Being wheelchair-bound
- Severe lung disease
- Dependence on portable oxygen
- Advanced heart condition (Class III or IV)
For example, someone who can walk well with a cane won’t qualify for a disabled parking permit. But if you use a cane and still have severe difficulty walking, then you’ll likely be approved.
Florida Is Trying to Make the Roads Safer for Seniors
Over the years, Florida has launched various initiatives to improve road safety for seniors, especially those aged 65+.
Through the Safe Mobility for Life Program, the state’s Department of Transportation (FDOT) is making infrastructure improvements to address the needs of aging road users. These include, but are not limited to:
- Reflective pavement markers.
- Brighter street lighting for increased visibility.
- Road signs with larger letters.
- Warning signs positioned well ahead of intersections.
- Flashing yellow arrow signals for safer turns.
You Can Take a Florida Mature Driver Course
A Florida Mature Driver course will teach you about the impact of aging on driving, how to manage distractions, what to do in emergencies, and other relevant topics. The content is organized into seven lessons, each ending with a quiz.
If you enroll with Traffic Safety Institute, you can study online from any device, including your smartphone, and finish in just six hours. Go through each lesson as many times as you need, take breaks without losing your progress, and pick up right where you left off. It’s that simple.
Our self-paced course is approved by the FLHSMV and accepted by all insurance providers in Florida, including Allstate, Geico, State Farm, and others. Upon completion, we’ll issue an electronic certificate that you must submit to your insurer for a discount of up to 15% on your annual premiums.
In addition to the study materials, we offer all sorts of perks for a smooth learning experience. Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll get:
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ Unlimited retakes
✅ Practice quizzes
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Instant electronic insurance discount certificate
✅ 100% pass guarantee
✅ 24/7 live chat support
Still in doubt about it? At Traffic Safety Institute, you don’t have to pay anything until you pass. This means you can take our mature driver course for free and pay only when you’re done.
Become a safer and more confident driver with our online program. Start the course for FREE today.
