Most of the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) apply to drivers of all ages and stages—and the state claims it imposes no special rules on drivers based on age alone.
Still, some of the legal controls discussed here, such as possible restrictions on a driver's license and procedures for securing disability parking placards, may be especially relevant for older drivers.
Time limits: All drivers must renew in person or by mail every four years.
Vision test: Required at renewal. DPS personnel will conduct a test free, but if more accurate reports are needed, additional testing from an outside optometrist or ophthalmologist may be required and recorded in a Visual Screening Report.
Written test: May be required at the discretion of DPS personnel.
Road test: May be required at the discretion of DPS personnel.
The DPS can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license to ensure safe driving. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
In Oklahoma, other common requirements the DPS may impose include:
The Oklahoma DPS will accept information about a potentially unsafe driver from anyone who has personal knowledge of it, including a family member, doctor, or police officer.
To make such a request, write a letter identifying the driver who is causing the concern, giving specific reasons for making the report, and mail it to:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
3600 North Martin Luther King Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73111
DPS personnel may then require that a driver be examined by a licensed physician or other medical professional, who must complete and submit a Medical Examination Form to the DPS within 60 days of the examination.
Disabled person parking placards can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.
The placards and plates are available for those who:
To obtain a disabled placard or plate:
The DPS website includes basic information for Oklahoma drivers, including licensing and vehicle registration requirements. Of special interest is the downloadable "Driver's Manual," which includes full explanations of the state's licensing and vehicle registration requirements, as well as an outline of local rules of the road.
You can use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Oklahoma.
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