Indiana Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

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:

• requiring drivers 75 and older to renew their licenses more often than younger drivers, and
• requiring these older drivers to pass a vision test every time they renew their licenses.

Indiana License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

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.

Older Indiana Drivers Must Renew Licenses More Often

After age 75, you'll need to renew your Indiana driver's license more often. How often depends on your age:

• If you're between 75 and 84, you'll need to renew every 3 years.
• If you're 85 or older, you'll need to renew every 2 years.

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).)

Indiana Drivers Need a Vision Test at Every License Renewal

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:

• have your vision checked by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist within 30 days of renewal
• have your eye doctor complete a Form 56520: Vision Screening Documentation, and
• email the completed form to the BMV at [email protected].

Not all older drivers can renew electronically. Indiana requires those with certain medical conditions and license restrictions to renew in person every time.

When Must Older Indiana Drivers Pass a Written Test?

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.

Do Indiana Seniors Have to Pass a Driving Test to Renew Licenses?

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:

• you want to renew a license that expired more than five years ago, or
• the BMV has received a complaint or has concerns about your vision or medical condition affecting your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Indiana Drivers

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:

• vehicle equipped with extra outside mirrors
• daylight-only driving
• vehicles equipped with power steering
• vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission
• driving less than 5, 10, or 20 miles from home
• time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic
• supports to ensure a proper driving position, and
• other restrictions deemed necessary to accommodate a medical condition.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Indiana

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].

How to Get a License Reinstated

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.

Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver With a Disability

Drivers with impaired mobility can get parking placards and license plates if a licensed medical professional certifies their condition.

Who's Eligible for a Handicapped Placard?

Placards and plates are available for those who have one of the following conditions (whether permanent or temporary):

• blindness or visual impairment
• a physical disability that requires the use of a wheelchair, a walker, braces, or crutches
• loss of the use of one or both legs
• restricted mobility due to:
• a pulmonary or cardiovascular disability
• an arthritic condition, or
• an orthopedic or neurological impairment.

How to Apply for a Placard or Plate

To get a disabled parking placard or license plate, take the following steps:

1. Complete and sign an Application for Disability Parking Placard or Disability Plate (State Form 42070).
2. Have one of the following complete the practitioner's certification section of the application:
   • a licensed physician
   • an advanced practice nurse
   • a chiropractor
   • a podiatrist
   • an ophthalmologist or optometrist,
   • a medical officer of the armed forces
   • the U.S. Public Health Service, or
   • the Veterans Administration.
3. Include a $5 fee for a temporary disability placard (permanent disability placards are free) or a $9.50 fee to replace a current license plate with a new disability plate.
4. Submit your application and fee at any BMV branch or mail it to the address on the form.

Learn More About Indiana Driving Rules for Seniors

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.