Virginia Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

In Virginia, as across the country, the number of drivers over 65 is growing alongside the senior population. Older adults are generally safe drivers, but age-related changes like declining vision and certain health conditions can affect their driving ability.

And when older drivers are involved in crashes, they're more likely to be killed than younger drivers. Notably, recent Virginia crash data shows that, while overall traffic deaths fell by 2.3% from 2023 to 2024, deaths among drivers over 65 rose by 9%.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) applies similar rules to all drivers, but older adults need to renew their licenses more often and are subject to additional requirements. These requirements focus on identifying and handling drivers who might no longer be safe behind the wheel. Here's what older Virginia drivers and their families need to know.

License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers in Virginia

Most drivers in the Commonwealth can renew their licenses in person, online, or by mail. But some special license renewal rules and procedures apply to drivers 75 and older in Virginia.

When and Where Older Virginia Drivers Must Renew Licenses

Virginia driver's licenses are generally valid for eight years for drivers under age 75. If you're 75 or older, you'll need to renew your license every five years.

Here's another difference. Most adult drivers younger than 75 have the option to renew their licenses online or by mail. But those 75 and older must renew in person at a DMV customer service center or DMV Connect location.

When Do Seniors Need a Vision Test to Renew a Virginia License?

Any time you renew your Virginia driver's license in person, you'll need to pass a vision test. So, for those 75 and older, that means you'll have a vision test every time you renew.

DMV personnel will conduct a free vision test or you can have an exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist. You'll need to have your eye doctor conduct the exam within 90 days of the renewal request and then complete a Vision Screening Report (Med 4 Form).

Virginia's License Testing Policy for Older Drivers

If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, the Virginia DMV might require you to undergo a medical review to keep your driving privileges. As part of the review process, you may need to:

• submit a medical statement from your health care provider who is a:
• doctor (MD or DO)
• physician's assistant (PA), or
• nurse practitioner (NP)
• submit a vision statement from your ophthalmologist or optometrist, or
• undergo evaluation by a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS).

The DMV can also require you to retake the two-part written driver's license exam or pass a road skills test.

Possible Driver's License Restrictions for Virginia Seniors

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on your driver's license if it deems it necessary to keep the driver and roadways safe. In Virginia, the most common restriction for older drivers is not driving without prescription glasses or corrective contact lenses. But other possible restrictions include limiting seniors to driving only:

• vehicles equipped with:
• an automatic transmission
• hand controls
• a steering wheel spinner knob (yoke spinner), or
• power steering or brakes
• during daylight hours (from 1/2 hour after sunrise until 1/2 hour before sunset)
• within geographic limitations (for instance, to and from work only, or only in their neighborhood), or
• on roads with posted speed limits of 45 mph or less.

Drivers can also ask the DMV to add a medical indicator code under "restrictions" to identify a disability to law enforcement, such as:

• hearing impairment
• speech impairment
• insulin dependence
• traumatic brain injury
• intellectual disability, or
• autism spectrum disorder.

To add the code, you'll need a doctor's statement verifying the condition. (Va. Code § 46.2-342(K).)

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Virginia

The Virginia DMV accepts requests for driving fitness reviews from anyone with personal knowledge that a driver might have become unsafe behind the wheel. The DMV must keep requests submitted by a relative or the driver's health care provider confidential. But information from other sources is available upon request.

Requests for the DMV to review someone's driving qualifications must be submitted in writing using a Medical Review Request (Form Med 3). Your request must include:

• information about the driver, including name, address, and date of birth
• specific information about why you're concerned about the driver, and
• your name and contact information (address and telephone number).

Submit your completed Med 3 form to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
Medical Review Services
P.O. Box 27412
Richmond, VA 23269-0001

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get your license back after it's been suspended or revoked in Virginia, check the DMV's license reinstatement page or contact your local license office.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver

The Virginia DMV issues disabled person parking placards and license plates to drivers with impaired mobility if a licensed medical provider certifies the condition. The placards and plates are available for drivers or passengers who:

• can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• can't walk without the use of, or assistance from, a brace, crutch, another person, prosthetic device, wheelchair, or other assistive device
• are severely restricted by lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have a severe cardiac condition
• can't walk because of an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
• have a mental or intellectual disability that impairs judgment
• have Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, or
• are legally blind or deaf. (Va. Code § 46.2-1240).

Disabled parking placards are available for permanent and temporary disabilities. Temporary placards are valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed. Permanent disability placards expire after five years. You must renew disabled parking plates annually, like other Virginia license plates.

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

• Complete your portion of a Disabled Parking Plate or Placard Application (Form Med 10).
• Have the Medical Certification portion of the application completed by a licensed physician, chiropractor, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or podiatrist.
• Submit the original application to the DMV either:
• by mail to the address on the form, or
• in person at your local DMV service center.

Learn More About Virginia Driving Rules

The Virginia DMV website offers basic information for Virginia drivers, including licensing and vehicle registration requirements.

Of special interest is the Driver's License Study Guide, available in English and Spanish, which includes safe driving tips, a complete explanation of local rules of the road, and practice exams.

The DMV also offers a page on "Mature Driver Safety" with specialized tips for older drivers.