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Senior Driving - Overview

Requesting a Disability Parking Placard

To request a disability parking placard, an application completed by the driver and his or her physician must be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. There is no application fee. 
Driving carries with it independence and freedom, but also responsibility. All drivers, including seniors, need to be aware of how physical changes, medical conditions, and medications affect driving skills.
 
Many older drivers continue to be able to drive safely. Some may adjust their driving patterns to adapt to the physical effects of aging. For example, older drivers who have difficulty seeing at night may choose to drive only during daylight hours. In some cases, the physical or mental changes experienced by older drivers may make it unsafe to drive under any circumstances, a difficult challenge for seniors and their loved ones.
 
When Is It Time To Limit or Stop Driving?

Signs that may signal it is time to change driving habits or stop driving include:
  • Multiple collisions or "close calls"
  • Dents and scrapes on the car, fence posts, mail boxes, garage doors, etc.
  • Getting lost or becoming nervous when driving under normal circumstances
  • Difficulty seeing traffic signals, road signs, or pavement markings
  • Slow reaction times, such as switching from the gas pedal to the brake pedal
  • Experiencing road rage or having other drivers frequently honk
  • Difficulty turning around to view the rear of the vehicle when going in reverse
  • Multiple traffic tickets or warnings

A driver who is concerned about safety may use a driver self-assessment tool, such as the one available from http://www.aaaseniors.com/. A self-assessment may indicate that the driver needs to receive additional training, make changes to the vehicle, or limit driving.


How Physical Conditions May Affect Driving Privileges

Unlike some states, Oklahoma does not have specific requirements for older drivers to renew their licences. However, some medical conditions may result in the revocation of a person's license or the placement of restrictions on driving privileges. These include:
  • Poor vision and certain eye diseases
  • Metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes or hypoglycemia)
  • Heart disease
  • Cognitive problems
If a driver has any of these conditions, the Department of Public Safety may place restrictions on the person's license. For example, a license may require that the driver have food within reach, wear corrective lenses, or only drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. These restrictions will be indicated on the license.
 
If the Department of Public Safety is provided information showing that a driver has a physical or cognitive condition that may result in temporary or partial loss of control of the vehicle, the Department may cancel the driver's license.
 
 
 
What To Do If You Believe a Driver is Unsafe

Talking with a senior driver about safety concerns is one of the most difficult challenges faced by caregivers and loved ones. AARP offers some excellent advice on how to approach these discussions. 
 
A caregiver, physician, or other person who believes a person is not able to safely drive may file a request for a driver review with the Department of Public Safety. This can be done by either completing a Request for Driver Review form or by writing a letter to the Department. The person submitting the request must provide the name, mailing address and date of birth of the driver as well as the driver's license number, if known. The request should also include the specific reasons the driver is no longer capable of safely driving. The request must be signed by the person submitting it. Anonymous requests will not be investigated.
 
The request form or letter can be faxed to (405) 425-2059 or mailed to:
Department of Public Safety
Medical Section
P.O. Box 11415
Oklahoma City, OK  73136-0451
 
For more information about reporting an unsafe driver, call the Department of Public Safety Medical Desk at (405) 425-2059.
 
More Information & Resources

AARP Driver Safety Program - tips on how to talk to loved ones about driving, information about car fit and safe driving programs, and information about seminars. Local senior driving classes are offered by AARP at Crossroads Mall in Oklahoma City. For more information, call (405) 632-1945.
 
AAA Senior Driving Tips - tips on talking with loved ones about driving, information about safe driving and when to stop driving, and an on-line self-assessment tool for drivers.
 
Senior Drivers - another AAA resource on senior drivers.
 
Integris Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Hospital: Driver Assessment & Rehabilitation Program, (405) 644-5423 - assessment and training for people returning to driving.
 
COPTA: Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority - half price bus fares and passes for riders 60 and older or certified disabled. Call 235-RIDE.
 
Oklahoma United We Ride - information on public transportation available in Oklahoma by county.