The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is implementing new driver’s license requirements for seniors starting July 1.
I say that the specter of Joe Biden will be haunting your DMV because, for me anyway, the lasting image of our so-called 46th President (in name only) is of a doddering old fool whom you wouldn’t trust behind the wheel of a vehicle.
CONTROL THE AUDIO BY PUSHING BUTTON BELOW
The DOT, not citing Mr. Biden of course, has come to a mirror conclusion — too many highway accidents are the result of seniors who probably should be better screened before being granted a driver’s license. And senior drivers are voluminous, totaling some 48 million nationwide.
That’s why, starting Tuesday, if you’re 70 or older, you can face stricter eligibility and shorter renewal periods. It all breaks down like this:
Aege 70-80, you must do an in-person renewal with a vision test and a renewal peroid of four years. If you’re 81 to 86, the renewal with vision test is for two years only, and if need be, a cognitive test can also be administered. If you’re 87 or older, the renewal is solely for a year and requirements include both vision and road driving tests, along with a potential cognitive screening as well.
Though these are federal regulations, each state has some latitutde in implementing them. Not surprisingly, California is adopting a stricter interpretation of the rules, and Florida a looser interpretation. Check your state’s DMV website for details.