Connecticut Driving Regulations for Seniors and the Elderly

Learn about special driving regulations and initiatives aimed at keeping Connecticut’s senior drivers and highways safe.

While the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 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.

Connecticut state standards are detailed in further detail below, but a couple of them are concerned with detecting and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky.

Connecticut, in particular:

Drivers 65 and older must renew their licenses in person every two years, and law enforcement, doctors, and anybody with firsthand knowledge of the driver’s skills may submit written complaints regarding risky driving issues.

Connecticut License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers 65 and over must renew in person every two years; those under the age of six must renew every six years. Individuals with a serious medical condition may apply for a license renewal by mail; however, they must first call the DMV at 860-263-5148 and seek a review of their circumstances.

If a physician or DMV employees deem it essential, a vision exam is required.

If your license has been lapsed for two years or longer, you must take a written exam. If the DMV believes that a person’s ability to drive safely is impaired, this may be needed.

If your license has been expired for two years or longer, you must take a road test. If the DMV believes that a person’s ability to drive safely is impaired, this may be needed.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

The DMV may impose limits on a driver’s license as part of the Graduated Driver’s License Program if his or her skills have changed after the license was granted. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other typical limitations include:

No driving at night
No interstate driving, only automatic transmission cars
Drivers of vehicles equipped with an extra exterior mirror must wear hearing aids and use particular controls or devices in the vehicle.

For further information on the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, please contact:

Medical Qualifications Unit, Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161 860-263-5223

How to Request a Connecticut Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Connecticut DMV welcomes requests to evaluate a driver’s credentials from law enforcement, doctors, or anyone else who has firsthand knowledge of the driver’s ability. The requests must be filed in writing to the Connecticut DMV’s Driver Services. Call 860-263-5723 for further information about the information needed in a given circumstance.

Doctors’ Reporting Obligations

A licensed physician in Connecticut may report in writing to the DMV the name, age, and address of any individual diagnosed with any chronic health issue that, in his or her opinion, would seriously impair the person’s ability to drive a vehicle safely.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

The DMV handles contact and written requests for license reinstatement via the following channels:

Driver Services Division, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, 60 State Street, Wethersfield, CT 06161.

Call 860-263-5720 for additional information about restoring your license.

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

If a qualified physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician’s assistant, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or member of the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind verifies the condition, parking placards and license plates may be granted.

The following steps must be taken in order to receive a disability parking permit or license plate:

Sign a Special Permit Application and an Impairment Certificate.
Part B of the application must be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician’s assistant, or, in the event of vision impairment, an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or member of the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind.
If the application is for a temporary permit, include a $5 charge; permanent plates and placards are free.
Send the original application to the address specified on the form.