In 2022, seniors (65 and older) made up 17% of the U.S. population, but accounted for 19% of traffic fatalities that year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Indiana, as in most other states, drivers over 65 generally have fewer accidents than younger drivers, but are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
And the number of Indiana drivers over 65 is increasing, up nearly 10% from 2021 to 2022. As the number of older drivers grows, so does the risk of age-related impairments affecting driving ability.
So, while traffic laws in Indiana generally apply to drivers of all ages, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers. Most of these senior driving rules focus on identifying and handling older drivers who've become unsafe, such as:
Most Indiana driver's licenses expire at midnight on the driver's birthday every six years and most drivers can use a BMV Connect kiosk or online services for every other renewal instead of visiting a BMV branch office. But Indiana's license renewal process is a little different for older drivers.
After age 75, you'll need to renew your Indiana driver's license more often. How often depends on your age:
Older drivers pay a lower license renewal fee due to the frequency of renewals. The standard renewal fee is $17.50, but for drivers 75 to 84, the fee is $11, and for those 85 and older, it's $7. (Ind. Code§ 9-24-12-5(e).)
Younger Indiana drivers need only pass a vision test when they renew their licenses at a BMV office, which they must do at least every other renewal. Once you reach 75, you're required to have a vision test every time you renew your license. The BMV will conduct a free vision test at in-person license renewals.
Drivers 75 and older can use the online services or a BMV kiosk for every other renewal if they can submit a vision screening. (Ind. Code § 9-24-12-5(b)(8).) To submit a vision screening, you'll need to:
Not all older drivers can renew electronically. Indiana requires those with certain medical conditions and license restrictions to renew in person every time.
Indiana drivers generally don't have to retake the written exam to renew their licenses. That's true for drivers over 75 as well. But if your license has been expired for more than 180 days, you'll need to retake the written test when you renew.
There's no requirement for Indiana drivers to retake the road test based solely on age. But the Indiana BMV can require you to retake the road test in the following situations:
The BMV can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with you.
The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses. In Indiana, other common requirements the BMV can impose on older drivers include:
Indiana BMV's Driver Ability Department will conduct a driver ability review after receiving a written request from virtually any person concerned about a driver's ability to drive safely. And the state will keep the source of the complaint confidential.
You can submit a request for the BMV to review someone's driving qualifications using an official "Request for Driver Ability Review" form (State Form 54750). Your request must identify the driver causing the concern and give specific reasons for the request. You can include additional documentation, such as concerns from others with knowledge of the person's driving ability.
Mail the completed form and any additional relevant information to:
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
100 N. Senate Avenue, Room 481
Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can also submit the Request for Driver Ability Review form by faxing it to 317-974-1614 or emailing it to [email protected].
For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked, review the information on the BMV's Reinstating Your Driving Privileges page.
Drivers with impaired mobility can get parking placards and license plates if a licensed medical professional certifies their condition.
Placards and plates are available for those who have one of the following conditions (whether permanent or temporary):
To get a disabled parking placard or license plate, take the following steps:
The BMV website has basic information for Indiana drivers, including instructions for creating and viewing an online account that gives drivers access to their records. You can also view the Indiana Driver's Manual online or download it in English or 10 other languages.
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