Driving Laws in Ohio for Seniors and Older Drivers

Learn about driving regulations and special initiatives aimed at keeping both older drivers and Ohio’s highways safe.

The majority of the plethora of rules and regulations enforced by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on age, which may be seen as discriminatory.

Nonetheless, several of the legislative measures outlined here, such as reporting a potentially risky driver and obtaining disability parking plates and placards, may be particularly pertinent for senior drivers.

Ohio License Renewal Procedures

There are no age restrictions on license renewals in Ohio.

Drivers above the age of 21 must renew in person every four years.

A vision exam is required at the time of in-person renewal. BMV professionals will do a free test with and without corrective lenses.

In-person renewals do not usually need a written exam.

In-person renewals do not usually need a road test.

In Ohio, How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation

If there is “good cause to believe” that a licensed driver is incompetent or incapable of driving safely, the Ohio BMV will accept information from a law enforcement agency, court, physician, hospital, or rehabilitation facility that the driver should submit a medical statement or take a driver license examination. If a law enforcement agency or a court issues such a request, physical observation of the subject’s driving or personal interaction with the driver is required.

The BMV will also act on a written and signed request from a driver’s family, friend, or neighbor, but only if there is sufficient reason to necessitate a medical statement or driving license examination.

Only requests from physicians will be kept private from the driver.

Send a written request to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Attention: Driver License Special Case Section/Medical Unit, P.O. Box 16784, Columbus, Ohio 43216, to have a driver’s driving privileges recertified. Alternatively, fax it to 614-752-7271, Attention: Medical Unit.

A release permitting the BMV to use the writer’s name as the source of information should be included with the letter.

How to Get an Ohio Medical Restriction

If a medical or eyesight issue interferes with driving, a motorist may need to get a two-part driver license, which includes a driver’s license and a medical restriction card. The BMV will send the driver an Exam Station Request for Statement of Physician 45-60 days before the driver’s requirement is due. The motorist must have a doctor fill out and sign the document before returning it to the BMV.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

For information about regaining a suspended or revoked license in Ohio, call the BMV’s headquarters office at 614-752-7500. If the license was suspended for medical reasons, the suspension will remain in effect until the department receives an appropriate Request for Statement of Physician or until the requisite tests are completed.

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 go 200 feet without stopping to rest
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, follow these steps:

Fill out and sign a Disability Placard Application.
Provide a Certification for Prescription from a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor, as specified on the form.
Include a $5.00 charge.
Take the original application with you or send it to the address on the form.

To receive a disability plate, follow these steps:

Request a Health Care Provider Certification of Eligibility for Disability License Plates form.
It should be completed by a qualified physician, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse, or chiropractor.
For instructions on how to complete the process in your case, contact the local Deputy Registrar department at 614-752-7800.