About 23% of Kansas drivers are seniors (65 or older). And that number is rising—up nearly 35% from 2022 to 2023—even as the overall number of licensed drivers in the state declined by 1%.
As the number of older drivers increases, so does the risk of age-related impairments that can affect driving ability. While older drivers are generally safer and involved in fewer crashes than younger ones, they're also more likely to be killed in a serious crash than younger drivers.
The rules and regulations enforced by the Kansas Department of Revenue's Division of Vehicles (DOV) apply to all drivers, but the state has recently imposed some special requirements aimed at identifying and handling older drivers who've become unsafe behind the wheel. New driving rules for drivers over 65 include more frequent renewals and required vision tests to help ensure continued road safety.
In Kansas, there's no set age to stop driving, but the state doesn't ignore the effects of aging behind the wheel. Kansas seniors face new rules when renewing their licenses.
Kansas requires seniors (65 and older) to renew their licenses every four years, while younger drivers (21-64) renew every six years. (Kan. Stat. § 8-247(a)(1).)
You can renew your Kansas license up to one year before it expires, which might extend the time between renewals for some older drivers.
For example, if your license expires when you turn 65 and you renew at 64, the new license wouldn't expire until you turn 70—at which point you could renew it for another four years. But if you wait until 65 to renew, it would expire when you're 69.
All Kansas drivers must pass a vision test when renewing their licenses in person—including seniors. Most adult drivers (21-64) can renew online every other time and don't need an eye exam when doing so. But because drivers 65 and older must renew in person each time, they must also pass a vision test at each license renewal. (Kan. Stat. § 8-240(j)(1)-(2).)
DOV personnel will conduct a vision screening for free, or you can have an eye exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist. Just be sure to attend the exam within 90 days of your renewal request and have your eye doctor complete a Vision Form (DV-124V).
Kansas requires drivers 65 and older to renew their licenses in person at a licensing office or mobile unit. To renew a regular Kansas driver's license, take the following steps:
The documentation needed for a Kansas Real ID differs from that for a regular driver's license. Learn more on the Kansas Department of Revenue Real ID website.
Kansas doesn't require a written or driving test for seniors or elderly drivers based on age alone. Unless your license has expired for a year or more, you generally won't have to retake the written test. And the state only requires older drivers to pass a road test when there are indications of driver impairment.
The Kansas DOV can add restrictions to a driver's license if there's "good cause," such as a medical or physical condition. The most common restriction for older drivers is the requirement to wear corrective lenses. Other possible restrictions include:
Anyone can report a potentially unsafe driver to the DOV. The department accepts "letters of concern" from:
To report an unsafe driver, send a letter to the DOV Medical/Vision Unit clearly describing your concerns about the driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Include the driver's name and date of birth or Kansas Driver's License number. Although you must sign the letter, the DOV keeps unsafe driver reports confidential, except those made by law enforcement related to a traffic stop or accident.
After receiving the "Letter of Concern," the DOV will send the driver a letter and medical and vision forms that the driver must have completed by a physician familiar with the driver's history. (Kan. Stat. § 8-247(e)(5).) If you receive such a letter, you'll have 30 days to comply, but if you've seen your doctor in the past 90 days, you can use that information to satisfy the request.
The DOV can also require a potentially unsafe driver to pass a road test to keep their license (or your doctor can request one). If you fail the driving test, you can retake it up to three times. After that, you must wait six months to try again.
If the DOV finds you're not competent to drive, the state can revoke your license. (Kan. Stat. § 8-255.) If you fail to respond to the DOV letter, don't submit the medical and vision forms, or fail to take a required driving test, you can lose your driving privileges.
For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked in Kansas, contact Driver Solutions at the DOV.
The State of Kansas issues disability parking placards and license plates (or stickers for specialty plates) and special identification (ID) cards to those with mobility impairments and other disabilities. The person with the disability must carry the ID card whenever they're driving or riding in a vehicle that parks in an accessible parking space.
People with permanent disabilities can get a permanent (blue) placard and license plate (or sticker) or up to two placards. You must recertify your eligibility for a permanent placard or license plate. And disability parking plates renew yearly, just like other license plates.
Those with temporary disabilities can get one or two temporary (red) placards, which are valid for up to six months.
To get a disability parking placard and/or license plate, a "licensed healing arts professional" must certify your mobility impairment. The state recognizes the following providers as healing arts professionals:
The placards and plates allow drivers with disabilities (and those who transport people with disabilities) to park in accessible parking. It also allows a disabled driver to park without paying at parking meters for up to 24 hours. Disability parking plates and placards are available for those who:
Take these steps to obtain a disabled placard or plate in Kansas:
The DOV website contains basic information about the state's driving rules and regulations.
Of special interest is the downloadable Kansas Driving Handbook (available in English or Spanish), which includes a section on driving tips for seniors.
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