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Driving as you get older in Florida: license renewal at 80, driving checks, and reporting an unsafe driver

Florida has its own rules for drivers 80 and older, and a confidential way for families and doctors to raise a concern about someone's driving. This page covers both, plus driving evaluations, the senior insurance discount, and how to get around if driving stops.

Checked against Florida law, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the National Institute on Aging, and the other sources listed at the bottom. Forms and office hours change, so check the linked page before you go. Last reviewed: October 4, 2026.

The short version:

Renewing your license at 80 and older

Does Florida require a vision test to renew your driver's license?

Yes, once you're 80 or older. Section 322.18 of Florida law says a driver 80 or older has to pass a vision test to renew. Under 80, a renewed license lasts 8 years. At 80 and older, it lasts 6 years.

You have two ways to take the test.

If you want to renew online, your doctor has to send the results to the state electronically first. The law doesn't let a driver 80 or older renew online or by mail until that's done. You can check whether you qualify on FLHSMV's MyDMV Portal, the state's online service site.

If the vision test shows a problem, FLHSMV may send you to an eye specialist. The specialist then fills out a Report of Eye Exam, form HSMV 72010. The 72119 form says this happens when vision is 20/50 or worse in either eye, or when there's a sign of eye disease or injury that could affect driving.

If a driver 80 or older loses the license because of the vision test, Florida law says the state will issue a Florida ID card at no charge.

Where to renew in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco

In all three counties, the driver license offices are run by the county tax collector, and a tax collector service fee is added. FLHSMV's county pages list addresses, hours, and appointment rules. Call before you go, since some services need an appointment.

Is there a driving test for the elderly in Florida?

Not because of age. At 80, Florida law adds a vision test at renewal. It doesn't add a road test.

A road test can come up in a different way. If a doctor, family member, or someone else reports a medical concern, FLHSMV can require a re-exam. FLHSMV's own medical referral form says these reviews start because of "medical conditions or symptoms that could affect the safe operation of a motor vehicle and not the age of the driver." The reporting process is explained further down this page.

Checking your own driving

You don't need to wait for a problem to get a check-up. These options are voluntary.

A professional driving evaluation. A Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) is a trained professional, often an occupational therapist, who tests driving skills and can suggest changes like hand controls. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists has a provider search to find one near you. The National Institute on Aging notes there may be fees for these assessments. You can also ask your doctor for a referral.

A CarFit check. CarFit is an educational program developed by the American Society on Aging with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Trained technicians or health professionals check how your car fits you: your view over the steering wheel, your distance from it, your seat, head rest, and seat belt, and how easily you move between the gas and brake. FLHSMV's CarFit page says a check takes about 30 minutes and staff won't change anything on your car. Look for a Florida event on the CarFit event finder.

A mature driver course, which can lower your insurance premium. Section 627.0652 of Florida law says insurers must give a premium reduction to a driver 55 or older who finishes a state-approved accident prevention course. It applies to liability, personal injury protection, and collision coverage. The discount lasts 3 years. Your insurer can end it early if you cause an accident or are convicted of a moving violation. FLHSMV keeps the list of approved mature driver courses, including online ones. The size of the discount is up to each insurance company, so ask yours before you sign up.

FLHSMV's Mature Driver page collects all of this in one place. It used to be called Florida GrandDriver, and that old link now leads there. The state transportation department's Safe Mobility for Life site has more guides for older drivers and their families.

When you're worried about someone's driving

What to do when an elderly person should not be driving?

Start with a conversation about safety, not age. The National Institute on Aging's safe driving page lists signs that point to a problem, such as:

NIA's advice for the talk itself:

A driving evaluation from a CDRS, described above, can help when you and your parent don't agree. With dementia, NIA says the person often doesn't know they're having driving problems. Work with their doctor in that case. If the talk doesn't work and you believe the driving is a danger, Florida lets you report it.

How to report an unsafe driver in Florida?

Fill out FLHSMV's Medical Referral Form, HSMV 72190, and mail or fax it to the address on the form. A Spanish version is available too. You describe the medical concern, such as memory problems, a stroke, or a serious vision problem, and explain how you know the driver.

The form asks for your name and signature. FLHSMV says it needs them to look into the report. Your report is still confidential. Section 322.126 of Florida law keeps these reports out of public records and says no civil or criminal action can be brought against the person who reports. The report also can't be used as evidence in court.

For questions, call FLHSMV's Medical Review Program at 850-617-3814. The fax number is 850-617-3944. FLHSMV's report an unsafe driver page has the form links.

If someone is driving dangerously right now, call 911.

What happens after I report a driver?

FLHSMV checks the report first. Its medical review pamphlet says the report is screened, and investigated if anything seems questionable, before the state acts.

If the report holds up, the driver may have to take a re-exam or send in a medical report from their doctor. That report goes to the Medical Advisory Board, a panel of doctors that advises FLHSMV. If the medical report isn't returned within 45 days, the driver loses their license.

The state has to decide within 90 days after it gets all the medical information it asked for. The driver gets the decision in writing. The outcome can vary: the driver may keep driving, keep driving with a follow-up report or re-exam, or lose the license. A driver who is denied can send new medical information, or an evaluation from a CDRS, and ask for another review.

The pamphlet says the goal "is not to prevent an individual with a medical condition from driving, but to assure the condition does not interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle."

At what age do most seniors quit driving?

There's no set age. The National Institute on Aging says "there is not one recommended age to quit driving," because people age differently. The federal highway safety agency, NHTSA, says on its older driver page that decisions about driving "should never be based on age alone."

NIA suggests asking yourself questions instead. Do other drivers honk at you often? Do you have trouble seeing signs or lane lines? Have family or your doctor said they're worried? If you answer yes to any, NIA suggests talking with your doctor or family, or getting a driving assessment.

Getting around without driving

Our transportation and rides page covers buses, door-to-door rides, and volunteer drivers in all three counties. A few starting points:

You can also call the Elder Helpline for help finding rides. In Citrus and Hernando, call 1-800-262-2243. In Pasco, call 1-800-963-5337 (727-217-8111 from outside the area).

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