Test for Seniors? ©

Did you see the news last week about upcoming driver’s license tests for seniors? I sure did and it got my attention in a hurry, and I knew I needed to share them with my AAS audience especially since the new requirements are to become effective this July!!!. Let me tell you about them.

In MSMBC I read this:

Starting in July 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation will implement a new law aimed at elderly driving. With the number of senior drivers steadily increasing, the law seeks to ensure road safety while allowing seniors aged 70 and older to retain their independence behind the wheel. As the population of older adults continues to grow, it is crucial to balance the natural physical and cognitive changes that come with aging against the need for seniors to stay mobile and independent.

New License Renewal Schedules Based on Age:

Under the new rule, the process for renewing driving licenses will differ based on the driver’s age. Seniors aged 70 to 80 will be required to renew their licenses every four years, with an in-person visit and a vision test. Those aged 81 to 86 will need to renew every two years and must undergo both an eye test and a possible cognitive assessment. For drivers aged 87 and older, the law mandates an annual road test to ensure they can still drive safely.

The change is aimed at providing a fair and individualized approach to senior drivers, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all renewal schedule. The law ensures that each driver is assessed based on their current abilities, not just their age.

This was followed by the same information in a table/spreadsheet format that I don’t have space for in this column.

Then in Econostrum USA/ Worldwide I read this:

New Driving License Rule for Seniors: What You Need to Know© 

Mandatory Vision and Cognitive Tests:

To further ensure road safety, seniors will be required to take vision tests during every license renewal. These tests are designed to detect common eye conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma, which can affect a driver’s ability to see clearly. For those who already wear corrective lenses, the test will be conducted while the individual is wearing their glasses or contacts.

And in META AI I read this in a tabular format: 1. Physical and cognitive decline; 2. Increased Risk of Accidents; 3. Medication and side effects; 4. Health Conditions; 5. Public Safety; 6. Lack of Mobility or Flexibility; and 7. Vision Impairment….. But, having not heard of this new requirement to go into effect this month until just last week I became very suspicious and decided to fight AI (Artificial Intelligence) fire with AI.

So, here’s what a Google search responded to my inquiry:

After a thorough review, the claim that a new federal driving license law for seniors will begin in July 2025 is completely unfounded. There is no legislative backing, no rule issued by the USDOT, and no implementation guidance sent to state DMVs. Georgia law requires persons 64 and older to pass a vision screening at each renewal period if operating a motor vehicle. Customers can renew in person or online.

And Here’s what ChatGPT responded:

There is no new federal law mandating age-based vision, cognitive, or road tests for drivers starting last week (or in July 2025). This widely circulated story is false—license rules remain state-specific, not federally determined.

So, don’t be alarmed, for now at least about your driver’s license status and renewal requirements. However, the prankster who put this out there clearly has this on his/her mind and may be pushing for these changes.

In the meantime DO be alert to these kinds of AI-inspired pranks and falsehoods; we are living in a time when it is getting more and more difficult to know what is true and what is false, even in our previously trusted publications.

Thanks for reading All About Seniors, see you next week!

Bill Milby is a Director of Visiting Angels® of Central Georgia, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at https://www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsofCentralGA