Iowa Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Iowa Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.

Iowa 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 behind the wheel.

Specifically, Iowa:

• requires drivers age 69 and older to renew their licenses more frequently than younger drivers, and
• accepts requests to conduct an unsafe driver investigation from anyone with knowledge of the driver’s skills.

Iowa License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

Special rules apply to older drivers who seek to renew their licenses.

Time limits: Drivers age 18 through 72 must renew every eight years. Those age 73 must renew every seven years; age 74 every six years, age 75 every five years; age 76 every four years; age 77 every three years; and age 78 and older every two years.

Vision test: Required at renewal. MVD personnel will conduct a vision test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by an outside vision specialist, who must complete a Vision Report and conduct the exam within 30 days of the renewal request.

Written test: May be required if driver is the subject of an unsafe driving investigation.

Road test: May be required if there has been a change in the driver’s health or the license does not reflect his or her current medical condition.

For more information specifically for older drivers, see the booklet published by the Iowa Department of Transportation, “Driver’s License Renewal in Iowa.”

Possible License Restrictions

The MVD 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 Iowa, other common requirements the MVD may impose on older drivers include:

• vehicles equipped with an additional right side mirror
• no nighttime driving, and
• wearing bioptic telescopic lens when driving.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Iowa

The Iowa MVD will accept a request to re-examine a driver from any source who has personal knowledge of his or her skills and abilities. However, the source of such requests will not be kept confidential.

Those who wish to make a request for re-examination must fill out a form in person at a local MVD office. It is advisable to phone first to be sure a particular office handles such investigations.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Iowa, see the MVD"s page on suspension and revocations.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical practitioner certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are also available for those who:

• cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• cannot walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assisting device
• are severely restricted by lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition, or
• are severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

Steps required to obtain a disabled placard or plate are:

• Complete and sign an Application for Persons With Disabilities Parking Permit for Iowa Residents.
• Ask a physician, podiatrist, chiropractor, physician assistant, or advanced nurse practitioner to provide a statement on his or her letterhead stationery explaining that the applicant is a person with a disability and that the disability is either temporary or permanent.
• Mail the original application to any full-service driver’s license site.

Learn More About Iowa Driving Rules for Seniors

The MVD website has a wealth of information for Iowa drivers, including explanations of licensing and car registration requirements.

Of special interest for older drivers is the downloadable booklet, “Driving With Diminished Skills,” which includes advice on recognizing and assessing vision and cognitive impairment and conditions that may affect driving and the MVD web page dedicated to Senior Drivers.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

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 Iowa.