The number of senior drivers is growing fast: The CDC reports that in 2020, almost 48 million licensed drivers age 65 and older were on U.S. roads. That’s a 68% increase since 2000, and these aging drivers do have higher accident rates.
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop driving. But whether you’re a senior driver yourself or you have older family members who drive, you might have questions: Can I renew my driver’s license online in Nevada? Is there a DMV practice test for seniors’ renewals? We can help you understand the laws for Nevada driver’s license renewal over 70.
Understanding the Impact of Aging on Driving Safety
The CDC reports that fatal crash rates increase starting at age 75 and rise sharply after age 80. That could be because age brings changes that can affect driving ability in ways you might not expect—and it’s also why there are special rules for DMV renewal for seniors over 70.
Vision problems may make it harder to read street signs, judge distances between cars, or adapt to bright headlights at night. Memory issues could lead to confusion about familiar routes or traffic rules. Physical changes might slow down reaction times to sudden stops or turns. Many common medications can cause drowsiness or decreased alertness behind the wheel.
All of these are reasons older drivers face higher risks on the road and can find themselves on the wrong end of a car accident lawsuit. It’s also why we need more rules for elderly driver’s license renewal.
Nevada Driver’s License Renewal for Senior Citizens: Special Requirements to Know
If you’re a senior driver in Nevada, you’ll need to follow specific rules for keeping your license current. These requirements help make sure all drivers can safely navigate the roads, whether you need a driver’s license renewal in Las Vegas or a quieter part of the state.
What Is the New Rule for Senior Drivers?
If you’re 65 or older in Nevada, you must renew your driver’s license every four years. This might sound like a stricter rule for seniors, but here’s an interesting fact: it used to be that everyone renewed every four years. So now, how long are Nevada driver’s licenses good for younger age groups? The state actually changed the law to let younger drivers go eight years between renewals, while keeping the four year renewal requirement for seniors as an extra safety measure.
Vision and Health Requirements
When you turn 71, you’ll need to pass a vision test each time you go through the renewal process. The DMV’s vision test checks both your visual acuity (how clearly you can see) and your field of vision (how wide an area you can see without turning your head). The Department of Motor Vehicles can also place restrictions on your license for various reasons including:
- Vision problems that glasses can’t fully correct
- Medical conditions that affect driving ability
- Medications that impact alertness or reaction time
- Signs of dementia or cognitive decline
- A pattern of unsafe driving in your record
Can Seniors Renew a Driver’s License Online in Nevada?
If you’re over 71, you can’t renew your Nevada driver’s license online. Renewal for seniors can be either in person at the DMV office or by mail, but you must alternate between the two. For example, if you last renewed in person, in another 4 years you can renew by mail. But if you most recently renewed by mail, you’ll have to go in person.
For in-person renewals, you’ll take a vision test at the DMV office. If you want to renew by mail, you’ll need two things: a Nevada DMV Eye Exam Certificate and a note from your doctor saying you can drive safely.
Other Nevada Driving Laws Specific to Seniors
While there are rules about DMV license renewal for seniors over 70, Nevada doesn’t have special laws about driving in general for this age group. The state needs a specific reason beyond age to limit someone’s driving. However, if there are health or safety concerns, the DMV can add restrictions to your license, such as:
- Requiring corrective lenses while driving
- No nighttime driving
- No highway driving
- Speed restrictions
- No driving during rush hour
- Required additional mirrors
- Restricted to driving within certain areas
- Special hand controls or other adaptive equipment
- No driving without a licensed driver present
Who Can Request a Senior Driver Investigation or Re-evaluation?
The rules for Nevada driver’s license renewal over 70 are meant to help the DMV or medical professionals catch any new issues that might affect driving safety. If family members worry about a senior’s driving ability, they can ask the DMV to evaluate the driver by filing a Request for Re-Evaluation (form DLD23A) with a doctor’s statement. Depending on driver and medical history a road test may be required.
There are other ways a senior driver might end up under investigation. Medical professionals can report concerns about their patients’ driving ability. Law enforcement can request a re-evaluation after accidents or traffic violations. And DMV representatives can request a Confidential Physician’s Report if they’re concerned about your driving ability when you renew your license.
Contact Blackburn Wirth Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyers
If you or an older family member has been in a car accident in Las Vegas, our car accident lawyers at Blackburn Wirth can help. We understand the special challenges that senior drivers face on Nevada roads. Whether you’re dealing with insurance claims or fighting unfair restrictions on your license, we’ll stand up for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.
