Driving Tests for Seniors

State-specific, exam-like questions

Questions nearly identical to the official DMV test.

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Senior driver sitting on a chair

DMV Tests for Seniors

DMV tests for seniors typically include both a written and a vision examination to assess a senior driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. The written test often covers road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. The vision test ensures that the senior driver meets the minimum sight requirements. Some states may require a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors at certain ages or under specific circumstances. These tests are designed to ensure that senior drivers possess the necessary cognitive and physical capabilities to drive safely. The frequency and nature of these tests can vary by state.

Prepare for your DMV written test with our senior friendly driving tests.

Our DMV practice tests are perfect for any driver, no matter the age, to help prepare for the official exam. Those drivers that take our practice test and read the DMV manual are 73% more likely to pass than those who just study the manual alone. The test questions resemble the official exam questions so you will feel confident going into the DMV.

The smarter way to study: Practice tests with immediate feedback and detailed explanations

After answering each question, you are presented with instant results. You will know immediately whether you have answered the question correctly or not. Explanations for every question are provided for additional understanding and to help improve retention. Try this question below:
This warning sign means
the road ahead curves to the right.
the road ahead curves to the right and then to the left.
a winding road.
sharp right and left turns are ahead.
The arrow represents the directions of traffic ahead.
This sign indicates a double curve ahead. The road ahead curves to the right and then to the left. (If there were a triple curve ahead, a winding road sign would be posted instead.) Slow down, keep right, and do not pass.
What does this sign mean?
There is a 35-degree curve ahead.
The minimum speed for this curve is 35 mph.
The maximum speed for this curve is 35 mph.
The recommended speed limit for this curve is 35 mph.
This is an advisory sign.
This sign states that the recommended speed limit for this curve is 35 mph.
Age

At What Age Do Seniors Have to Take a Driving Test?

Requirements will vary from state to state, but each state has a different renewal cycle for elderly drivers. Other requirements include recurring vision tests during each license renewal, mandatory in-person renewals, and other provisions.

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Effects

The Effects of Aging on Driving

Over time, there are health conditions that change the way we do things such as driving. Everybody ages differently, but at some point in time, our bodies will change. The following are some of the most common effects aging has on elderly drivers.

Vision

As we age, our vision changes in different ways. It is normal when it is difficult to focus vision up close, distinguish colors, and adjust to dim lighting. Conditions that are not a normal part of aging, but are higher at risk for include, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.

Each of the conditions mentioned above will have an impact on your ability to see people, other vehicles, and movement while driving. Delayed reading of street signs or traffic signs and difficulty seeing at night may cause an accident as well.

To stay on top of your health and continue driving safely, be sure to get your eyes checked annually. You will also want to keep your glasses or contact lenses prescription up to date and reduce the amount of driving at night.

Hearing

Age-related hearing loss is another symptom of aging that can affect driving. This is one of the most common conditions that older adults deal with. According to the NIDCD, one in three adults in the U.S. aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss and 50% of adults older than 75 have a hard time hearing.

When your hearing is affected, warning sounds like horns, sirens, and noises from your car will be difficult to notice. To be a safe driver, go in for a hearing checkup at least every 3 years and discuss hearing concerns with your doctor.

Motor Skills

Motor skills will decrease with age, specifically the stiffening of joints and muscles. A common condition among older adults, arthritis, makes it difficult to apply the gas or brake and control the steering wheel.

If you are experiencing any kind of pain or stiffness, see your doctor. Cars nowadays have features that help with these conditions such as power steering, power brakes, and large mirrors. To ensure that you are still able to drive, maintain your physical activity by exercising and stretching frequently.

Cognitive Reaction Time

Cognitive reaction time decreases as people age. With the amount of distractions out on the road, it is important to be able to react quickly to avoid accidents as they arise.

With a slower reaction time in mind, be sure to allow more space between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Additionally, brake early when coming to a stop, avoid traffic and rush hour, and drive in the slow lane.

Evaluate

How to Evaluate Your Driving Skills

Evaluating your driving skills to ensure you are keeping yourself and others safe is important and should be done regularly.

One way to do this is to see your doctor to get an opinion on your physical and mental standing. They should be able to let you know of any impairments that will affect your driving capabilities.

Also, AAA has put together a self-rating driving assessment exercise to help you drive as long as safely possible. You simply answer the questions lined out in the booklet as honestly as possible and compute your score at the end.

For a professional evaluation, the The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) has a national database of driving programs and specialists that can assess your driving abilities.

How to Get Around Without Driving

In the case that you are unable to drive, there are a number of transportation options for older drivers. You don’t have to lose your independence because you are unable to drive yourself. Additional transportation modes can be more affordable and efficient. These include:

  • Public transportation
  • Carpooling
  • Local Transportation Services
  • Paratransit Services

If you have assessed your driving skills and are still able to drive, check out our free driving tests to help you pass the official DMV written exam.

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