As is the case with any skill, it is possible to age out of being able to drive a car safely and correctly. Driving is a privilege, not a right. If an elderly person has age, health or lifestyle factors that interfere with the safe ability to drive, his or her license may not be renewed. Seniors in Nevada must meet special requirements for driver’s license renewal.
Shorter Renewal Terms
After the age of 65, drivers in Nevada are required to renew their licenses twice as often as younger drivers. Drivers under the age of 65 are only subject to renewal every eight years, while drivers 65 and older must renew their licenses every four years. This is to ensure an older driver remains fit to operate a motor vehicle and prevent auto accidents.
No Online Renewals Over 70
From the ages of 65 to 71, drivers in Nevada can renew their licenses by mail or in person, but not online. Once drivers reach the age of 71, they must go to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person to renew. Online and mail renewal options will no longer be offered to these drivers.
Vision Tests
Senior drivers must pass required vision tests for each license renewal. If the driver chooses to renew in person, the DMV office can conduct the vision test right there. If a driver under 71 renews by mail, the senior driver must include an eye examination certificate with the results of a professional and recent (within the last 90 days) vision test with their renewal application.
Mandatory Medical Examinations
Although it can be a factor, age alone does not decide whether a driver is fit to be behind the wheel. Nevada law does not make driver’s license renewal decisions automatically based on age. However, renewals can be decided using the results of a medical examination if the situation calls for a physical or mental evaluation of the driver.
Specific medical exams may be required if circumstances arise that alert the DMV to a possible safety problem, such as the senior citizen getting involved in a minor accident or a concerned loved one requesting an evaluation. Medical examinations may be used to search for health problems that could impede the senior’s ability to drive safely, such as vision loss, diminished muscle strength, reduced reaction times or dementia.
State licensing laws prohibit the DMV from renewing the license of anyone who has failed a required physical examination, cannot safely operate a motor vehicle due to a physical or mental disability, or has been diagnosed with a mental disability or disease. These rules apply to younger drivers as well as senior citizens.
Driving Restrictions
If the outcome of a medical examination or DMV evaluation determines that a senior citizen is suited to drive but has health conditions that may interfere with safe driving in certain circumstances, the driver may be renewed with a restricted license.
If the elderly driver has less than 20/40 vision without glasses or corrective contacts, for instance, the license will have a related restriction. Other restrictions can be based on medication usage, driving in the daytime vs. at night, driving certain types of vehicles, limiting speeds, and more frequent medical exams.
Unlike many other states, Nevada does not require mandatory driving or written tests for drivers based on age. Tests are only ordered after three or more moving violations or a driver’s license suspension. If you get involved in a collision with an older driver, contact Koch & Brim for a review of your legal options with a Las Vegas injury attorney.