How old is too old to drive?

[1995hoo]

Just requiring people to get an vision test somewhat frequently screens out a lot of people that are suffering from dementia and should stop driving for that reason, even if their vision is still O.K.

Maryland requires a test every 5 years regardless of age.

Last night I was out running an errand in Old Town Alexandria and I didn't bring my regular glasses with me, just my sunglasses (prescription), because I figured we'd be home long before it got dark. Well, my wife decided we ought to get dinner while we were down there and I wound up driving home without glasses on. I'm not legally required to wear them because there's no restriction on my license, but man, while I could see OK I found it's a lot harder to read the signs than it used to be. I've worn glasses since 2009 (for distance purposes–I don't have them on as I type this, or if I'm reading a book, or the like, but I wear them driving and when I go to a sporting event) and my last license renewal was in 2008, done via the Internet; also, as I mentioned before, when I renewed in 2003 they forgot to make me take the vision test.

Tell you what, if I had harbored any doubt about the importance of regular vision tests for drivers, last night would have convinced me otherwise. Part of the thing that spooked me a bit was that it was right around sunset and the light was such that you SHOULD have your lights on but a fair number of people had either no lights or just the parking lights. That made me worried that I might miss seeing someone who was driving without headlights but whom I would have spotted with my glasses on.

Guess the bottom line is, shame on me for not being prepared, but it really underscores to me the importance of testing people for the basics.

[JREwing78]

I'm perfectly OK with requiring more stringent examination of all drivers - every 5 years until age 66, then every 2 years thereafter. Every exam should have a written test, normal road test, and a defensive driving component. Do it in a simulator if that's cheaper/safer. Allow monthly retests at the driver's expense if they fail the testing.

But frankly, when we can't be put out to educate drivers properly the first time around, it's no surprise that the retesting that happens afterwards is such a joke.

[Alps]

I'm perfectly OK with requiring more stringent examination of all drivers - every 5 years until age 66, then every 2 years thereafter. Every exam should have a written test, normal road test, and a defensive driving component. Do it in a simulator if that's cheaper/safer. Allow monthly retests at the driver's expense if they fail the testing.

But frankly, when we can't be put out to educate drivers properly the first time around, it's no surprise that the retesting that happens afterwards is such a joke.

If you'd ever seen the lines at the DMVs in NJ - and that's just for first time licensees - you'd understand why you would never be able to implement that.

[vdeane]

It would work just fine for the DMV offices in St. Lawrence county; there's never been a line the two times I've been there this year.

I guess being in a remote area has its perks.