The issue of when you are too old to drive in Georgia is a sensitive one. Older drivers often rely on their cars, especially in rural areas. However, at a certain age, medical conditions, poor eyesight and other factors can pose dangers to motorists.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, there are more than a million drivers over the age of 65 in Georgia. More than 768,000 of them are 70 or older.
The department states alone age is not a good predictor of driving ability. Older drivers should look out for certain warning signs that indicate their age is impacting their performance. These include:
- Experiencing serious or minor accidents or near misses;
- An inability to read road signs;
- Driving too fast or too slowly;
- Decreased reaction times;
- Having other drivers honk at you;
- An inability to concentrate while driving;
- Having family members or police officers talk to you about your driving.
Georgia imposes different tests on older drivers. If you are over 60, you must renew your driver’s license in person every five years as opposed to ever eight years for younger drivers.
A vision test is required for drivers aged 64 or older. If applicants are unable to pass the test administered by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, they must fill out a form and be examined by a licensed optometrist. Often an older driver can remain on the road after being fitted with new glasses or contact lenses.
Older drivers may be required to take a written test if there is evidence age is impacting their driving. A road test may also be required following signs of driver impairment.
Too Old to Drive in Georgia? You May Face Restrictions
In Georgia, other common requirements the Department of Driver Services may impose on older drivers include:
- no driving on interstates
- Restricting driving to daylight hours
- A ban on passengers in the vehicle
- Wearing bioptic lenses when driving
- Driving only automatic vehicles.
The Georgia DDS processes requests to evaluate drivers from law enforcement officers, relatives, doctors, caregivers, vision specialists and others with personal knowledge that an individual may be medically or mentally unfit to drive.
Drivers may be able to hone their skills by taking an education and training class specifically tailored older drivers.
The Georgia Traffic Injury Prevention Institute maintains a CarFit program, offering older drivers help on fitting their vehicles to adapt to changing needs as they age.
If you or a family member is injured in a car accident in Georgia, please call our car accident injury team for a consultation at (404) 913-1529.