Alabama Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

While driving is a routine activity for many people, maintaining control on the road involves a complex interaction of motor movements and situational awareness. As we age, many important functions related to competent driving can deteriorate, increasing the risk of accidents. The state of Alabama has several regulations aimed at maintaining driver safety and helping drivers with disabilities retain their independence.

Alabama Driver's License Requirements for Seniors

In Alabama, the agency that issues and renews driver's licenses is the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Department of Public Safety. ALEA doesn't impose conditions or restrictions specifically targeted to older drivers. However, the agency can place restrictions on drivers who may have a disability that affects their ability to drive, or revoke a driver's license if requested by a medical doctor.

What Elderly Drivers Should Know About Renewing a Driver's License

There's no age limit for drivers in Alabama that would prevent them from renewing their licenses. Alabama driver's licenses expire four years after they are issued. You can renew your license within 180 days of the expiration date using one of the following methods:

• Go in person to a Probate Judge's office.
• Visit one of the ALEA Driver's License office locations.
• Access licensing services online at ALEA.gov.

Keep in mind that if you want to make certain changes to your driver's license, such as adding a STAR ID (required for all U.S. air travelers without a passport beginning on May 7, 2025), you'll have to do so in person at an ALEA office. You won't be able to make such changes online.

Does Alabama Require a Road Driving Test for Seniors?

No, seniors aren't required to take a road test in order to renew their driver's license unless the Department of Public Safety (DPS) believes they may have a medical condition or limitation that could affect their ability to drive safely. Similarly, the DPS may require seniors to take a vision or written test before processing their license renewal.

Possible License Restrictions for Elderly Drivers

Alabama DPS can require residents who seem to have medical impairments that could affect their skills behind the wheel to provide a doctor's note explaining how their health may cause driving limitations. Some limitations, such as needing glasses, are fairly common and don't usually have a significant impact on the driver's functioning. Other restrictions for older drivers with health concerns can include:

• no freeway driving
• driving a vehicle with an additional right-side mirror
• no nighttime driving
• time of day restriction—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic
• using adequate support to ensure proper driving position, and
• geographic area restrictions.

Operating a motor vehicle in violation of restrictions can result in suspension or revocation of your license. Drivers who wish to have their license reinstated should print and complete a Request for Reinstatement Requirements form and mail it to the following address:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Driver's License Division
301 South Ripley Street
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102-1471

If you think the DPS refused to renew your license, added restrictions, or arbitrarily questioned your ability to operate a vehicle safely based on physical appearance or speculation, you have the right to an impartial hearing before the Director of Public Safety. At the hearing, you have the right to representation and to present any witnesses, including a physician of your choice, that can testify to your "roadworthiness."

Medical Requests for an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Alabama

While some states allow any concerned friends, family members, or medical providers to ask for an unsafe driver investigation, the Alabama DPS can act only on a written request from a licensed doctor. Doctors who determine that their patient has an illness or impairment that could make driving unsafe have the responsibility to tell the patient about any limitations that the doctor believes would be appropriate.;

Doctors may submit written requests that a driver should be retested or have their license revoked for medical reasons to the ALEA Driver's License Division in Montgomery. The request should contain the patient's name and license number.

Parking Placards and License Plates for Disabled Drivers

Disabled person parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife certifies the condition. In order to qualify for a disability placard or plate, you'll need to have a doctor agree that you have the following limitations:

• you can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• you can't walk without the use of an assistive device (such as a brace, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, or wheelchair) or without help from another person
• you're severely restricted by lung disease, as demonstrated by specific spirometry (breathing test) results
• you use a portable oxygen supply
• you have a cardiac condition that causes significant (Class III or Class IV) functional limitations as defined by the American Heart Association, or&
• you're severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

In order to obtain a disabled placard or plate, you'll need to complete and sign an Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges. Have a licensed medical provider sign the Physician's Certification portion of the application, and then return the application to your local licensing office.

Alabama Driver's Handbook (2024)

The ALEA.gov website contains some basic information of interest for Alabama drivers of all ages. You can also find the most recently updated (as of November 2024) Alabama Driver Manual which can help keep you on top of Alabama's licensing requirements and rules of the road.

Additional Help for Senior Drivers

Senior drivers generally are at an increased risk of involvement with traffic-related injuries. Age-related loss of vision and slower reaction times can contribute to a higher chance of an automobile collision. The state of Alabama, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has a Mature/Older Drivers program where you can review materials intended to help you recognize and discuss changes in driving habits for older drivers.

If you're a senior driver dealing with the aftermath of a collision or driving infraction, you may want to contact an attorney to help you fight your traffic ticket, handle your car accident claim, or get your license reinstated.