---
url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/testing-driving-skills'
title: 'Testing Driving Skills'
author:
  name: hia-admin
  url: 'https://www.healthinaging.org/user/1'
date: '2019-07-10T14:39:27+00:00'
updated: '2023-03-17T19:38:47+00:00'
type: page
summary: 'Testing Driving Skills > Signs that an Older Adult’s Driving Skills Need Testing The following are warning signs that an older adult may need to have a professional test about whether driving is still safe. These signs include:'
published: true
---
##  [Testing Driving Skills](/testing-driving-skills)

## Signs that an Older Adult’s Driving Skills Need Testing

The following are warning signs that an older adult may need to have a professional test about whether driving is still safe. These signs include:

- Getting lost, even when driving short, known routes
- Not obeying traffic rules
- Driving unsafely, like making poor decisions or cutting off other drivers
- Reacting slowly to emergencies or having trouble judging distances
- Becoming easily angry or stressed

Medications can also affect an older adult’s driving. Some medications can make people:

- Feel sleepy or less alert
- Have slow reactions

**Medication labels may warn against driving while taking drugs. According to the [American Automobile Association's (AAA) website on Senior Driving](https://seniordriving.aaa.com/understanding-mind-body-changes/medical-conditions-medications/how-medications-can-affect-driving/), two-thirds of drivers age 65 and older take five or more daily medications that can affect their ability to drive safely. An older adult who takes medications may need a healthcare professional to review them.**

## What Tests Should an Older Driver Take?

**The District of Columbia and 35 states have rules for older adult drivers. These include**

- **Requiring more frequent license renewals**
- **Limiting online or mailed license renewals**
- **Requiring vision or road tests**
- **Reducing license renewal fees**

 [Learn more about specific state requirements](http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/olderdriver_laws.html "Governors Highway Safety Association Mature Drivers State Laws")

Experts recommend the following tests for if an older adult may not be a safe driver:

- **Physical exam.** The healthcare provider needs to check if the older adult has had any changes that could affect their driving.
- **Cognitive testing.** If an older adult is having any problems with cognition (thinking or memory), they need screening tests of their mental skills.
- **Vision test.** An optometrist or an ophthalmologist (eye care professionals) can test for vision problems.
- **Get a healthcare or other professional to test driving.** An occupational therapist (OT) trained as a driving rehabilitation specialist (DRS) can ride with an older adult to find out if they are driving safely. This professional can recommend:
    - Driver safety classes
    - Equipment that could make the car safer for the older adult to drive.
    - Driving changes which may be useful for the older adult

Last Updated March 2023