Tennessee Driving Regulations for Seniors and the Elderly

Discover driving rules and special initiatives aimed at keeping Tennessee’s drivers and highways safe.

The majority of the laws and restrictions enforced by the Tennessee Driver Services Division (DSD) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, and the state asserts it does not impose particular requirements on drivers based only on their age.

Nonetheless, several of the legislative regulations outlined below, such as potential licensing limits and processes for obtaining handicap parking plates and placards, may be particularly pertinent for senior drivers.

Tennessee License Renewal Procedures for Senior Citizens

Drivers of any age must renew their licenses every eight years.

Renewal requires a vision exam. Drivers may be required to have an exam done by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must submit a Vision Examination Form, if more extensive testing is necessary.

Written test: At the discretion of DSD officials, a written test may be needed.

Road test: At the discretion of DSD officials, a road test may be necessary.

License Restrictions That Might Exist

If there is reasonable grounds to think that a person’s safety demands it, the DSD may impose limits or conditions on their driver’s license. The most prevalent limitation for senior drivers is the need for corrective lenses or glasses.

Other frequent conditions that the DSD may place on elderly drivers in Tennessee include:

Driving in cars outfitted with adapted devices or equipment, wearing prosthetic or orthotic devices while driving, driving only during daylight hours, and additional limitations as determined by healthcare experts.

How to Request a Tennessee Unsafe Driver Investigation

The Tennessee DSD will accept information that a motorist has become hazardous behind the wheel from a family member, physical or emergency medical technician, or police officer.

Those who intend to file such a report should provide all pertinent information in writing to:

Tennessee Department of Transportation

Section on Driver Improvement

Foster Avenue, 1150

Driver Reporting Requirement

Drivers in Tennessee must prove that they are physically and emotionally competent to drive while renewing their license. Those with major health issues, such as diabetes, pulmonary or neurologic disorders, psychological, emotional, or other illnesses that may impair driving, may be needed to be assessed by a healthcare expert, who must fill out a detailed Medical Form.

How to Restore a Driver’s License

Contact one of the Driver Service Centers available around Tennessee for information on how to reinstate a suspended or revoked 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:

are disabled by paraplegia, the amputation of a leg, foot, or both hands, cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest, cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device, are severely restricted by lung disease, have a severe cardiac condition, or are severely limited in their ability to walk or get around and are being treated by a Christian Science practitioner.

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

Fill out and sign an application for a Disabled Person License Plate, Placard, or Decal.
Complete the Certification of Disability section of the application with the help of a qualified medical doctor or a Christian Science practitioner listed in the Christian Science Journal.
Include a $10 price for a temporary parking permit; permanent plates and placards are free.
Send the original application to the county clerk’s office in your area.