While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.
Idaho state rules are explained in more detail below, but a number of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe. Specifically, Idaho:
Special rules apply to drivers who are 63 and older who seek to renew their licenses.
Time limits: Drivers age 63 and older must renew every four years; drivers ages 21 to 62 have the option of renewing every eight years. Those who are age 70 and older may not renew by mail.
Vision test: Required at renewal.
Written test: Not required at renewal unless the license has been expired for more than one year.
Road test: Required if an applicant has a mental or physical impairment that might affect the ability to drive safely or if the driving examiner notes indications of driver impairment, or if requested by a law enforcement officer, or a family member.
The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her.
The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.
In Idaho, other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers include:
The DMV will accept written requests from immediate family members, doctors, or law enforcement personnel. Some area offices accept any written request; others require individuals to complete forms they provide. For more information, contact the local driver's license office.
For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked, apply online or call Driver Services at 208-334-8736 for information specific to your situation.
Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a medical professional certifies the condition.
The placards and plates are available for those who are:
Steps required to obtain a disabled placard or plate are:
Idaho Transportation Department
Vehicle Services—Special Plates
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
Or fax the completed application to 208-334-8542.
The DMV website contains basic information for Idaho drivers, including links to the controlling laws and recent legislation, along with a practice driver's license knowledge test that can be downloaded to a mobile device, available in English and Spanish.
If you need help with an auto accident or traffic ticket, you can browse the free lawyer directories on Lawyers.com or Avvo.com, two sites that are part of the Nolo family.
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