Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both older drivers and New Hampshire’s highways safe.
The majority of the many rules and regulations enforced by the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on age.
Nonetheless, several of the regulatory constraints outlined below, such as licensing limits and processes for obtaining handicap parking plates and placards, may be particularly pertinent for senior drivers.
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New Hampshire License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens
All drivers must renew their licenses every five years.
Renewal requires a vision exam. DMV employees will provide a free test. Drivers who need more accurate testing or have visible eye problems may be required to have an extra exam performed by a third-party ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must produce an Eye Exam report and perform the exam within 30 days of the renewal request.
Written examination: Not usually necessary for renewal.
Road test: During the discretion of DMV employees, a road test may be needed at renewal.
License Restrictions That Might Exist
After conducting a driving test and discussing potential limits with the driver, the DMV may impose restrictions or conditions on his or her driver’s license.
The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.
Other frequent regulations that the DMV may place on older drivers in New Hampshire include:
a car’s exterior mirror
vehicle fitted with a mechanical assistance vehicle equipped with automatic transmission\s driving only when wearing a prosthetic aid, and\s daytime driving only.
How to Request a New Hampshire Unsafe Driver Investigation
Unlike other states, New Hampshire does not have a systematic method for reporting suspected dangerous drivers. For specific concerns regarding a particular driver, call the New Hampshire DMV’s headquarters office at 603-227-4000.
How to Restore a Driver’s License
The procedures for restoring a suspended or revoked driver’s license vary depending on the circumstances. Contact the local DMV office for particular information regarding a specific license.
How to Obtain Disabled Driver Parking Placards or License Plates
Drivers with restricted mobility may be awarded disabled parking placards and license plates provided a competent medical practitioner recognizes the condition.
Placards and license plates are available for people who:
cannot walk without the aid of another person or an assistive equipment such as a cane or crutch suffer from severe lung illness and rely on portable oxygen
have a serious heart disease or are severely restricted in their ability to walk owing to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic ailment.
To receive a disability placard or plate, follow these steps:
Fill out and sign a Walking Disability Privileges Application.
Complete the Medical Provider Information section of the form with a licensed physician, podiatrist, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician’s assistant.
Make a copy of your vehicle’s current registration.
Fill out an Application for Vanity Plates if you want a handicapped person license plate.
Include all applicable fees. A travel placard and a permanent handicapped person placard are both free. The cost of a temporary placard is $6. Permanent handicapped person license plates are $8, while special vanity plates are $40.
On the form, mail the papers and associated money to the Walking Disability office.
More information may be found on the Governor’s Commission on Disability’s website titled “People With Walking Disabilities.”
Learn More About New Hampshire Senior Driving Regulations
New Hampshire drivers may find a lot of information on the DMV website, including license and car registration requirements, as well as connections to the state’s driving regulations and laws.
The downloaded “Driver’s Manual,” which outlines local norms and rules of the road and offers some rudimentary explanations of how aging may influence driving abilities, is particularly interesting.