Drivers License Requirements for Senior Citizens in Illinois

According to CDC, in 2012, there were approximately 36 million licensed drivers aged 65 and above in the United States. Driving helps senior adults stay independent and mobile. However, the risk of getting injured or even killed in a motor vehicle accident increases considerably with age. On an average, around 586 older adults are injured in crashes every day. In 2013, drivers in the age group of 65 and above accounted for 17 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Each year, thousands of older adults are killed, and hundreds of thousands are injured in car accident. Although older drivers are more experienced than younger drivers, but there are other risks that drivers in this age group face. Older drivers often have vision problems, increased reaction times, and slower reflexes that affect driving safety. In Illinois, there are specific licensing requirements for drivers above the age of 75 years. In this post, our Willens Law personal injury lawyer will discuss these licensing requirements, and how they help prevent accidents.

Specific Licensing Requirements for Older Drivers in Illinois

Although it is important to give due regard to the mobility and independence of older drivers, it is equally important to pay attention to their safety and to that of others on the road. With a view to protect older drivers, and other drivers on the roads, Illinois has specific licensing requirement for drivers age 75 and older. The rules are as follows:

• Drivers age 75 and older must appear in person each time they wish to renew their license
• Drivers age 75 and older are required to take a road test each time they renew their license
• Drivers under the age of 81 have to renew their driver’s licenses every four years
• Drivers age 81 to 86 must renew their driver’s licenses every two years.
• Driver age 87 and older must renew their driver’s licenses every year.

AAA, Illinois Secretary of State’s office and other institutions organize programs to help senior citizens prepare for their license renewals. The goals of these programs and special licensing rules is to help prevent accidents caused by the natural aging process or health problems.

Seeking legal help for a car accident involving a senior driver

Illinois special driving license requirements for senior drivers have been designed to prevent accidents, but it cannot completely prevent accidents. It is possible that the older driver may develop a serious health condition between license renewals or may start a new medication that could prevent him/her from driving safely. Also, an elderly drive may cause an accident due to a reason completely unrelated to age, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving or drunk driving.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by any driver, it is important to understand and protect your legal rights. Our experienced attorneys can help. Call (312) 957-4166 to schedule a free consultaton with an experienced attorney at Willens Law Offices today.