What’s Different About the DMV Test For Seniors Over 70?

We all like driving, don't we? It makes you feel free, and you enjoy the freedom while you drive. But once you start aging and you cross the age of 70, you may start feeling different. Your experience with DMV differs by that time.

Therefore, many states in the US have added extra steps for aged drivers. They have given more focus on safety and ability.

Yes, the process might feel new, but it isn't that hard to follow. You just need to understand what's different here and know how to get yourself prepared for it.

If you are still wondering what makes the DMV test for seniors over 70 a special affair, you must read along to understand everything clearly and in a better way.

Why Does The DMV Have Special Rules For Drivers Over 70?

You must be wondering why the DMV has other sets of rules for drivers who have aged and have crossed 70, isn't it? Well, these rules are set to make sure that everybody on the road is safe.

As you age, your vision, reaction time, and focus changes which can affect your driving as well. So, the DMV wants to make sure that you still feel fit when you are behind the wheel and can drive without any worries.

This is the reason why you have to go for several new steps when you go for your license’s renewal once you turn 70. These extra steps help you to catch any issues that might make driving dangerous for you or anybody else on the road.

Key Differences In The DMV Test Process After 70

There are many new things that you see when you go to renew your driver’s license after you turn 70. These are:

In-person renewal only

Once you cross the age of 70, you cannot choose to get your driver's license renewed online. You need to be present there and visit the DMV office in person. Most of the states have even stopped the mail renewal procedure.

This step is taken to ensure that the DMV can perform all the necessary checks face-to-face and see whether you're fit for further driving or not.

Vision screening

When you visit the DMV to renew your driver's license, be sure that you will be having a vision screening. This helps make sure that you still have the right eyesight standard maintained that you need to drive safely on the road.

During this procedure, you are required to demonstrate a minimum of 20/40 minimum level of visual acuity with or without your corrective lenses. In some states, they also ask for a specific field of vision.

Written knowledge test

In a few states of the US, you will be asked to appear for a written knowledge test again. Typically, this test is shorter than what you have appeared for when you applied first, but it is essential.

It covers the basics of road rules and signs so that you can know that your knowledge is updated and you won't face difficulty recognizing these signs.

Driving test requirements

When you cross 70 and visit the DMV to get your driver's license renewed, you will be asked to appear for a road skill test as well.

This test helps assess your ability to safely operate a vehicle on the road. It is also used to check whether you follow the traffic laws in real-world driving situations or not.

For this, you will be asked to operate the vehicle. The instructor might ask you to start and stop the engine, steer and drive on the road, and check whether you can recognize the signs and signals effectively or get confused.

Medical reports and referrals

Sometimes, you might even have to submit your medical reports and referrals to the DMV so that they can assess that you are enough to operate a vehicle safely.

If you submit your records, then you might even be free from the hassle of appearing for the tests as well.

Usually, it is good to go through the entire procedure to get your driver's license renewed, but if you lack time, you can simply show up with your medical records and get your license procedure completed within a short span of time.

How Seniors Can Prepare For The DMV Test?

• Study the DMV handbook : It has all the road signs and safe driving tips, and questions are generally asked from this handbook itself. Prepare this thoroughly.
• Update your vision care : Make sure that you get your eyesight checked, and also update your power glasses so that you get clear vision while you go for the eyesight screening test.
• Practice driving calmly : Follow all the traffic rules, avoid any kind of distractions, and keep your eyes on the road.
• Prepare for the written test : Take a few quizzes online. This will help you remember the key rules and signs.

Be prepared and always visit the DMV at the appointed time. This will make you feel confident during the test and help you prepare better.

Common Challenges Seniors Face And How To Overcome Them

• Nervousness or test anxiety : This may make you lose your focus. Therefore, you should concentrate and take deep breaths to calm yourself down.
• Memory recall issues : At this age, you might feel difficulties while recalling the signs or rules. Practice regularly to keep them fresh in your mind.
• Slower reaction : It can affect your driving performance. Be honest with the instructor about your limits, and avoid driving at night if needed.
• Physical difficulties : If you face any kind of physical issues, such as turning your head or while gripping the wheel, consult the doctor at the earliest possible time and get it treated immediately.

Conclusion

By now, you must have realized how important it is to know about the need for a DMV test for seniors over 70.

So, know your abilities, follow the rules, and enjoy the freedom that you get while you drive your car with the renewed driver's license that shows you are fit for the road even when you are over 70 now.