The states that require elderly drivers to take a test are mostly testing vision, not driving skill. About 19 states mandate a vision screening at every renewal once a driver reaches a specified age, which ranges from 40 in Maryland to 80 in Florida. Only one state, Illinois, requires an age-based road test, and starting July 1, 2026 that applies only to drivers 87 and older. A handful of states also require a knowledge test in limited circumstances. Everything else that gets called “senior testing” is really a shorter renewal cycle or a requirement to appear in person.
States That Require a Vision Test by Age
If your state is on the list below, you’ll read an eye chart or look into a screening machine every time you renew, no matter how well you scored last time.1IIHS-HLDI. License Renewal Procedures
- Maryland: 40 and older
- Oregon: 50 and older (if renewing in person)
- Maine: 62 and older
- Ohio: 65 and older
- South Dakota: 65 and older
- Utah: 65 and older
- Alaska: 69 and older
- California: 70 and older
- Iowa: 70 and older
- Louisiana: 70 and older
- Nevada: 71 and older
- Nebraska: 72 and older
- Indiana: 75 and older
- Massachusetts: 75 and older
- New Mexico: 75 and older
- Virginia: 75 and older
- Illinois: 79 and older (effective July 1, 2026)
- Texas: 79 and older
- Florida: 80 and older
Maryland catches most people off guard by starting at 40. Oregon and Maine also begin earlier than the usual “senior” threshold.
The screening checks sharpness of vision, side (peripheral) vision, and sometimes depth perception. Nearly every state sets the standard for an unrestricted license at 20/40 acuity in at least one eye, with or without glasses or contacts. Fall short of that, and you may still qualify for a restricted license requiring corrective lenses, or your state may ask for an eye doctor’s report before it decides.
States That Require a Road or Knowledge Test by Age
A mandatory road test tied to age is rare. Illinois is effectively the only state that requires older drivers to pass an on-road driving evaluation as a condition of routine renewal, and it recently scaled that back. Under the Road Safety & Fairness Act, beginning July 1, 2026, only drivers 87 and older must demonstrate the ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drivers 79 through 86 take a vision test and, depending on their driving record, possibly a written test, but no behind-the-wheel exam.1IIHS-HLDI. License Renewal Procedures
Age-triggered knowledge tests are also uncommon. California requires a written or computer-based test at renewal for older drivers. The exam has 25 questions covering traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving, and it can be taken through an online open-book eLearning course instead of in the office.2State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Senior Drivers Most states allow retakes if you don’t pass the first time.
Several states give their licensing agencies authority to require a road or knowledge test for any driver when there’s reason to question driving ability, but that’s a case-by-case review triggered by a report or medical issue, not a birthday.
States That Shorten the Renewal Cycle or Require an In-Person Visit
Even without an extra test, many states make older drivers renew more often or in person. More frequent renewals mean an updated photo and a chance for staff to notice obvious impairments.
- Arizona: Drivers 65 and older renew every five years, compared to every twelve years for younger drivers.3Department of Transportation. From the Director: Extending Driver License Renewals for Older Adults
- Illinois: Drivers 81 through 86 renew every two years; 87 and older renew annually (new cycles take effect July 1, 2027).1IIHS-HLDI. License Renewal Procedures
- Indiana: Drivers 75 through 84 renew every three years; 85 and older renew every two years.4IN.gov. Renewing a Drivers License, Learners Permit, or Identification Card
- Iowa: Renewal periods taper starting around age 72, dropping from seven years down to two years for drivers 78 and older.5Department of Transportation. Renew Drivers License
- Texas: Drivers 85 and older receive a two-year license, compared to eight years for ages 79 through 84.6Department of Public Safety. Senior Drivers – Age 79 or Older
Several states block online or mail renewal past a certain age. California and Washington both require in-person renewal at 70, and Texas requires it at 79.7State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Drivers License Renewal for 70+8Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew Driver License6Department of Public Safety. Senior Drivers – Age 79 or Older The in-person requirement isn’t a test, but it puts you in front of a clerk who can flag you for further evaluation.
States With No Age-Based Testing
Many states have no age-triggered testing or renewal rules at all. In these states a 90-year-old renews on the same cycle, through the same channels, and with the same tests as a 30-year-old. Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and others fall in this group. Ohio tests vision for every driver rather than singling out older ones. The approach in these states is that unsafe driving should be handled through individual reports and medical reviews rather than age cutoffs.
That doesn’t mean impaired drivers go unchecked. Every state has a mechanism to pull a driver in for review based on a report from law enforcement, a physician, or a family member. The trigger is behavior or a medical condition, not a birthday.
What to Expect at Renewal
Vision screenings happen at the counter. You look into a machine and read letters or numbers at various sizes while the examiner checks acuity and peripheral vision. The whole thing takes a couple of minutes. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them; the standard applies with correction.
Knowledge tests, where required, are multiple choice. California’s can be taken online as an open-book eLearning module.2State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Senior Drivers Study the state’s driver handbook before you go. Rules on roundabouts, school buses, and move-over laws have changed in many states over the past decade.
Road tests, where required, are the same ones new drivers take. An examiner rides along and scores you on starting, stopping, turning, lane changes, and intersections, watching for signs of confusion, slow reaction, or difficulty with basic vehicle control. You’ll need to bring a properly insured vehicle.
If You Fail a Test
Failing doesn’t automatically mean losing your license. Most states offer restricted licenses that preserve some driving privileges under set conditions:
- Daylight only, from half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset
- No freeway driving
- A set geographic radius from home
- Corrective lenses required at all times
- An additional right-side mirror on the vehicle
- Bioptic telescopic lenses for drivers with low vision, typically requiring minimum acuity of 20/200 through the carrier lens and 20/70 through the telescope
Restrictions are printed on the back of the license, and violating them carries the same consequences as driving without a license.
You can usually retake a failed vision or road test. Common rules allow up to three attempts per permit period with at least one day between tries. Get your vision corrected, or practice, before you go back.
If the licensing agency denies renewal, suspends your license, or imposes restrictions you believe are unwarranted, you generally have the right to request an administrative hearing. The window is typically 30 days from the date of the decision, and the request usually has to be in writing. At the hearing you can present an updated doctor’s clearance, a new eye exam, or other evidence that the decision was wrong. If the hearing goes against you, most states allow a further appeal in court, though your license typically stays suspended while the appeal is pending unless you request and receive a stay.