Minnesota Driving Regulations for Seniors and the Elderly

Learn about driving restrictions and special initiatives aimed at keeping Minnesota’s elderly drivers and highways safe.

Minnesota Driver & Vehicle Services (DVS) enforces a plethora of laws and regulations that apply to drivers of all ages and stages—yet the state claims to impose no particular restrictions on drivers based purely on age.

However, in order to keep drivers and highways safe, DVS considers requests from persons who have firsthand information that a motorist is a “at risk” driver.

Minnesota License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

There are no age-related regulations for drivers.

Drivers of all ages must renew their licenses every four years at a local Driver Service office.

Renewal requires a vision exam. DVS employees will perform a free test. If the DVS needs it, the driver must have an extra eye examination done by a qualified vision examiner, who must then produce a Vision Report.

Renewal does not need a written exam.

Only if the DVS gets indicators of driving impairment is a road test required.

How to Request a Minnesota Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Minnesota DVS will take information from a motorist’s family member, friend, or acquaintance who believes the driver is “at risk” and should be examined again. Requests from family are kept private.

All requests must be in written and contain the following information:

the entire name and date of birth of the at-risk driver, together with his or her driver’s license number if available a description of the condition and explanation of why the individual may be an at-risk driver, and\s the requester’s name, address, and phone number.

Requests should be addressed to the following address:

Driver and Vehicle Services 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 170 St. Paul, MN 55101

Furthermore, police officers may commence a driver re-evaluation by submitting a Request for Examination of Driver.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Contact one of the DVS offices located around the state for information on how to reinstate a license that has been suspended or revoked.

How to Obtain Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

Drivers with reduced mobility may be awarded disability parking placards and license plates provided a qualified medical practitioner confirms the condition.

Placards and license plates are also offered to people who:

If you have a serious heart issue, you should utilize portable oxygen.
have a serious respiratory condition have lost an arm or leg and do not have or cannot use an artificial limb are unable to walk without the use of or aid from a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, or other support device
have a condition that might be worsened to the point of death by walking 200 feet; or are unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, or cannot walk without a high danger of falling.

To receive disability license plates, follow these steps:

Fill out the Special Plates Application.
Sign the Medical Statement part of the form with a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor.
Fill out the form and return it to the closest DVS office or send it to the address on the form.

To receive a disabled parking permit, follow these steps:

Fill out the Disability Parking Certificate Application.
Sign the form’s Health Professional Medical Statement part with a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor.
Fill out the form and return it to the closest DVS office or send it to the address on the form.

Learn More About Minnesota Senior Driving Laws

The DVS website is a gold mine of information for Minnesota drivers. The “Minnesota Driver’s Manual,” which gives an overview of state laws, regulations, and strategies to follow in order to drive safely and lawfully in Minnesota, is particularly interesting.