Michigan May Require New Driving Tests for Seniors 75+

There's new legislation in the Michigan Senate that could require additional testing for drivers over the age of 75.

Currently, Michigan does not have any laws on the books regarding driving test requirements and elderly drivers. However, Senate Bill 847 could change that.

What Senate Bill 847 Would Require

Senator Rosemary Bayer, D-West Bloomfield, introduced this legislation. It would require drivers 75 years and older who want to renew or get a license to appear at a Secretary of State office in person once every four years. They would have to take and pass a vision test, a driving skills test, and a written knowledge test. Drivers 85 years and older would have to pass the same tests on a yearly basis.

Currently, Michigan drivers already have to renew their license every four years. But unless your driving record throws up any red flags, additional testing isn't typically necessary.

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The American Association for Retired People (AARP) Michigan is opposed to this legislation, saying it targets individuals based on age and not ability. But, if it were to pass, Michigan wouldn't be the first state with special provisions for senior drivers.

States With Elderly Driver Laws On The Books

States like Alaska, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, and more have requirements that senior citizens take vision tests when renewing their licenses. While other states require everyone to take a vision test, and still more (like Michigan) do not require any vision test when renewing a license.

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The Michigan Senate has yet to discuss the issue. Time will tell if this proposed legislation turns into law.