Marina
A major overhaul of senior driving regulations is on the horizon. Under proposed changes, drivers could retain their licenses until age 87, assuming they pass certain health and safety checks.
The law aims to balance independence for older drivers with public road safety.
Let’s dive into what the new rules mean, how they’ll be implemented, and what seniors and families should be aware of.
Why the Shift to Age 87?
For decades, many states enforced stricter renewal standards (shorter license cycles, mandatory road tests, medical screenings) for drivers once they hit ages like 80 or 82.
But recent data suggests today’s older population is healthier, more active, and more capable behind the wheel than prior generations. Under the new law, “age” alone won’t dictate driving eligibility — capacity will.
Proponents point to figures that show over 65% of drivers aged 75+ continue driving without incident, making age-based restrictions increasingly outdated.
The new approach is to allow seniors to drive as long as they can safely, shifting from age cutoffs to ability assessments.
What the New Rules Require: Key Changes for Senior Drivers
Here’s how the proposed system is likely to work once it becomes effective:
| Age Range | Renewal Interval | Required Tests / Assessments | Notes / Special Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70–79 | Every 4 years | Vision test + in-person renewal | Baseline check of fitness to drive |
| 80–86 | Every 2 years | Vision + reaction / cognitive screening | More frequent monitoring |
| 87+ | Annually | Vision test + mandatory road test | Full driving assessment required |
Additional safety mechanisms include:
- Medical screening: Seniors 75 and older may be required to submit eye exam results or physician statements.
- Shortened license cycles: Instead of standard 10-year renewals, older drivers may receive 3- to 5-year licenses depending on test outcomes.
- Family / doctor reporting system: Concerned family members or medical professionals can submit reports to the DMV prompting extra evaluation.
- Conditional / restricted licenses: If full clearance is not granted, the DMV might issue restricted driving privileges (e.g. daytime only, limited distances).
The goal is to let older drivers keep their mobility — but not at the expense of safety.
How It Will Be Implemented & When
- In Illinois, under the newly passed Road Safety & Fairness Act (H.B. 1226), the mandatory road-test age will shift from 79 to 87, starting July 1, 2026. Drivers aged 79 and older will still renew in person, but won’t be forced to take annual driving tests until 87.
- These changes reflect a broader movement to reduce age discrimination in licensing, placing emphasis on ability and health instead of chronological age.
- That said, not all states are adopting identical rules. Some may implement stricter or looser requirements based on state statutes and DMV capacity.
State DMV systems will need to ramp up staffing, testing facilities, and training to handle more frequent in-person renewals and road assessments for older drivers.
Benefits & Concerns: Independence vs. Safety
Benefits
- Greater dignity for seniors: Older drivers retain their independence longer, able to drive to the doctor, errands, or social events without undue restriction.
- Fairness over blanket age limits: The law shifts from “one-size-fits-all age ban” to personalized assessments.
- Encourages health checks: The additional oversight may prompt more seniors to maintain eye health, reaction times, or manage chronic illnesses.
Concerns
- Access issues: Seniors in rural areas or without transportation may face difficulty reaching DMVs or testing sites.
- Testing stress: Some may feel anxious about mandatory road tests, even if they’re safe drivers.
- Implementation burden: DMV offices and staff may struggle to keep up with increased in-person demand and new assessment protocols.
Allowing drivers to stay licensed until age 87 marks a major shift in senior driving policy — balancing independence with safety.
With new medical and performance assessments coming in 2026, especially in Illinois, seniors and families should prepare for a fair, ability-based licensing system.
FAQs
Does this law force every senior driver to stop driving at 87?
No. Drivers can continue past 87 if they successfully pass the required assessments. Age itself is not an automatic disqualifier.
Will every state adopt the same rule change?
No. While some states like Illinois are implementing the law in 2026, other states may adjust differently — some might keep stricter rules or apply variations.
What happens if someone fails their test or assessment?
They may receive a restricted license (limited hours or distance) or be asked to retake the test. In extreme cases, the license may be suspended until further evaluation.