Idaho Driving Laws for Seniors and the Elderly

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

While the Idaho 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.

The Idaho state standards are discussed in further detail below, but many of them concentrate on recognizing and dealing with elderly drivers who may have become risky. Idaho, specifically:

mandates drivers aged 63 and up to renew their licenses every four years, forbids drivers aged 70 and up from renewing by mail, and accepts requests from family members, physicians, and law enforcement authorities to perform a hazardous driving inquiry.

Idaho License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers 63 and older who want to renew their licenses must follow certain criteria.

Time limits: Drivers aged 63 and over must renew every four years, while drivers aged 21 to 62 may renew every eight years. Those aged 70 and over are not eligible to renew via mail.

Renewal requires a vision exam.

Written test: Not necessary unless the license has been inactive for more than a year.

Road test: Required if an applicant has a mental or physical disability that may impede his or her ability to drive safely, or if the driving examiner observes signs of driver impairment, or if asked by a law enforcement officer or a family member.

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 elderly drivers in Idaho include:

no highway driving extra side mirrors on a car
There are no nighttime driving limits—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic supports to maintain a correct driving position geographic area restrictions, and wearing bioptic telescopic lenses while driving.

In Idaho, How Do I Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation?

Direct family members, physicians, and law police professionals may submit written requests to the DMV. Some local offices accept any written request, while others require persons to fill out forms provided by them. Contact your local driver’s license office for further information.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Apply online or contact Driver Services at 208-334-8736 for information unique to your circumstances for information on how to regain a suspended or revoked license.

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

If a medical expert validates the condition, parking placards and license plates may be granted to drivers with restricted mobility.

Placards and license plates are available for people who:

unable to walk 200 feet without stopping to rest; unable to walk without a brace, cane, crutch, another person, a prosthetic device, a wheelchair, or other assistive device; or severely limited in ability to walk due to a neurologic, orthopedic, respiratory, cardiac, arthritic condition, or blindness or loss of function of one or more limbs.

The following steps must be taken in order to receive a disability placard or plate:

Forms, Disability License Plates, and Placards must be completed and signed.
Sign the Medical Certification Section of the form with a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or advanced-practice professional nurse.
Send the original completed form to:

Vehicle Services—Special Plates Idaho Transportation Department P.O. Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707

Alternatively, you may fax the completed application to 208-334-8542.

Learn More About Idaho Senior Driving Laws

The DMV website provides fundamental information for Idaho drivers, such as links to governing laws and current legislation, as well as a practice driver’s license knowledge exam that can be downloaded to a mobile device and is accessible in both English and Spanish.