While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.
Connecticut state rules are explained in more detail below, but a few of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe.
Specifically, Connecticut:
Drivers age 65 and older must renew in person every two years; those younger need to renew every six years. Individuals with a major medical condition may submit a request for license renewal by mail; they must first contact the DMV at 860-263-5148 and ask for a review of their situation.
Vision test: Required if a physician or DMV personnel consider it necessary.
Written test: Required at in-person renewal if license has been expired for two or more years. May be required if the DMV determines there is an impairment that may affect a person's ability to drive safely.
Road test: Required if a license has been expired for two or more years. May be required if the DMV determines there is an impairment that may affect a person's ability to drive safely.
As part of the Graduated Driver's License Program, the DMV can place restrictions on a driver's license if his or her abilities have changed since the license was initially issued. The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
Other common restrictions include:
For more information about the Graduated Driver's License Program, contact:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Medical Qualifications Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
860-263-5223
The Connecticut DMV accepts requests to review an individual's driving qualifications from law enforcement personnel, physicians, or anyone with personal knowledge of the driver's capabilities. The requests must be made in writing and submitted to the Connecticut DMV's Driver Services. For more about the information required in a specific situation, call 860-263-5723.
A licensed physician in Connecticut may report to the DMV in writing the name, age, and address of any person diagnosed to have any chronic health problem, which in his or her judgment will significantly affect the person's ability to safely operate a vehicle.
The DMV processes correspondence and written requests for license reinstatements through:
Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services Division
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
For more information on getting a license restored, call 860-263-5720.
Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician's assistant, ophthalmologist, optometrist, or member of the Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind certifies the condition.
Steps required to obtain a disabled parking permit or license plate are:
The DMV website has a wealth of information for Connecticut drivers, including links to the controlling laws and driver license handbooks in several different languages. Of special interest is the Center for Experienced Drivers, which includes tips for ensuring continuing safety and links to many resources for older drivers and their families.
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 Connecticut.
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