Driving Laws in Florida for Seniors and Older Drivers

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

With more than 18% of the population 65 and over, Florida tops the country. While the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) 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.

The regulations of the state of Florida are detailed in further depth below, although a number of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky. Florida, in particular:

Drivers 80 and older must renew their licenses every six years; those 79 and younger might earn eight-year licenses; and the DHSMV accepts petitions from family members and others for dangerous driving investigations.

Florida License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers aged 80 and over who want to renew their licenses must follow special regulations.

Drivers above the age of 80 must renew their licenses every six years.

Renewal requires a vision exam. DHSMV officials will administer the test for free, or drivers may have an exam conducted by a certified Florida medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or optometrist, who must complete a Mature Driver Vision Test form and provide the exam within one year after the renewal request.
License Restrictions That Might Exist

After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the motorist, the DHSMV may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her license.

The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other frequent conditions that the DHSMV may place on elderly drivers in Florida include:

a car with an extra left-side rearview mirror no nighttime driving vehicle must have automatic transmission
Vehicles must have power steering and mechanical directional signals.
A knob or grip on the steering wheel is required.
While driving, hearing aids, seat cushions, and hand controls or pedal extensions must be worn.

How to Request a Florida Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will take information from any doctor, person, or agency representative who is aware of a medical or mental condition that may impair an individual’s ability to drive safely. While persons filing such complaints are required to provide their name, address, and phone number, all reports are kept secret. Investigators from the department may interview family members, neighbors, or the driver’s doctor, and they may also order medical exams, written or road retests.

Reports should be submitted using a Medical Referral Form.

Driver Improvement Programs in Florida

Drivers may enhance their abilities by enrolling in an education and training program designed exclusively for elderly drivers. Mature Driver Courses, which are available locally, may also assist some older drivers qualify for lower vehicle insurance rates.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

For information on how to reinstate a suspended or revoked license in Florida, contact the local:

The DHSMV’s Customer Service Center, the Bureau of Administrative Reviews office, the driver license office, the tax collector licensing agent, or the Bureau of Administrative Reviews office.

The DHSMV website has contact information for all of these.

Ombudsman Service

The Florida DHSMV has an ombudsman program through which advocates may intervene to assist consumers address difficulties. Send a completed Consumer Advocate Form to the ombudsman using the website’s email gateway.

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

Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded parking placards and license plates if the condition is certified by a qualified physician, chiropractor, surgeon, optometrist, or advanced nurse practitioner.

Placards and license plates are also available to people who have:

a serious cardiac problem
severe lung illness incapacity or severe limitation in walking\s a condition requiring them to utilize portable oxygen, or\s legal blindness determined by an optometrist.

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

Fill out and sign the Application for Disabled Person Parking Permit.
Sign and complete the certification section of the form with a licensed physician, chiropractor, surgeon, optometrist, or advanced nurse practitioner. A $15 cost for a temporary parking permit is included; permanent plates and placards are free.
Send the original application to the address specified on the form.