Driving Laws in Missouri for Seniors and Older Drivers

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

While the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) enforces a plethora of laws and regulations that apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes certain unique requirements and limits on senior drivers.

Missouri state standards are detailed in further detail below, although many of them concentrate on detecting and dealing with elderly drivers who have become risky.

Missouri specifically:

Drivers aged 70 and above must renew their licenses every three years, and the DOR accepts requests from family members and others to undertake risky driving investigations.

License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers aged 70 and over who want to renew their licenses must follow special regulations.

Drivers aged 70 and more must renew in person every three years, while those aged 21 to 69 must renew every six years. Drivers under the age of 21 must also renew their licenses every three years. If the individual renewing their license is not a US citizen, the expiry date may be earlier, depending on the expiration date of the paperwork they give to establish their identity and eligibility for a driver’s license.

Renewal requires a vision exam. DOR officials will provide a free examination, or a motorist may request that an exam be done by an outside qualified ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must file a Report of Eye Examination.

Only if the DOR obtains signs of suspected driving impairment is a written test required.

Only if the DOR gets signs of suspected driving impairment is a road test required.

A traffic sign identification exam is also needed at the time of renewal.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

The DOR has the authority to impose limits or conditions on a person’s driver’s license. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other frequent regulations that the DOR may place on elderly drivers in Missouri include:

an additional outside rearview mirror on a vehicle daylight driving only\s driving vehicle with automatic transmission or power steering\s speed restricted to no more than 45 mph\s driving area restricted to a 25-mile radius\s supports to ensure a proper driving position\s mechanical devices on vehicle, such as a foot-operated emergency brake, and\s other restrictions specified by a law enforcement officer, judge, or physician.

How to Request a Missouri Unsafe Driver Investigation

A driver examiner, license clerk, family member, law enforcement officer, physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, chiropractor, registered nurse, psychologist, social worker, professional counselor, optometrist, or emergency medical technician can provide information to the Missouri DOR about a potentially unsafe driver. This individual must fill out the Driver Condition Report and deliver it to the Driver License Bureau as specified on the form. Unless required by a court order, all information reported will be kept secret.

If a motorist has experienced epileptic seizures, convulsions, or blackouts within the past six months, a completed Driver Condition Report must also be given while renewing a license.

See “How to Report an Unsafe Driver in Missouri” for more information.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

In Missouri, the procedures for regaining a suspended or revoked license vary depending on the circumstances. Contact one of the DOR licensing offices located around the state for detailed details about a specific instance.

How to Obtain Disabled Parking Placards or Plates

Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded disabled person parking badges provided a competent medical practitioner confirms the condition.

There are temporary and permanent disability placards available for persons who:

owing to a severe and debilitating arthritic, neurological, orthopedic, or other severe and crippling ailment, cannot walk 50 feet without stopping to rest
cannot ambulate or walk without the use of, or aid from, a brace, cane, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive equipment have breathing that is severely limited by a respiratory or other ailment need portable oxygen.
have a serious heart ailment or are legally blind.

To receive a disability placard or plate, follow these steps:

Fill out an Application for Disabled Person Placard and sign it.
Complete a Physician’s Statement for Disabled License Plates or Placards with a licensed physician, chiropractor, optometrist, physician’s assistant, podiatrist, physical therapist, or advance practice registered nurse. Mail the original application and statement to a DOR office.

Learn More About Missouri Senior Driving Laws

Missouri drivers may find a plethora of information on the DOR website, including links to detailed explanations of titling and registration procedures.

The “Driver Guide,” which contains details of driver license and testing requirements, as well as safe driving suggestions and an explanation of local traffic restrictions, is particularly interesting. There is also an audio Driver Guide available.