Wisconsin Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Drivers in Wisconsin are getting older—about 40% of all licensed drivers in the state are now over 55. As drivers age, so does the risk of developing age-related impairments that can affect driving ability. And unfortunately, older drivers are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than younger drivers.

While most of the rules and regulations enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) apply to drivers of all ages, the state has some special rules for drivers 65 and older. Most focus on identifying and handling drivers who've become unsafe behind the wheel.

Read on to learn more about Wisconsin's special requirements for driver's license renewal for seniors, including additional testing some older drivers face and possible medical restrictions.

Wisconsin Driver's License Renewal Process for Seniors

Under WisDOT, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's license renewals in the state. The DMV enforces licensing regulations, including special renewal rules and procedures for seniors.

How Often Must Wisconsin Seniors Renew Their Driver's Licenses?

In Wisconsin, drivers renew their licenses every eight years. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires and up to one year after expiration. Drivers 65 and older must visit the DMV for every license renewal.

U.S. citizens up to age 64 can use Wisconsin's online driver's license renewal service but must visit a DMV Service Center in person at least every other renewal.

Non-citizens might have to renew sooner, depending on their immigration status. (Wis. Stat. § 343.20.) Non-citizens must visit the DMV for every license renewal.

When Do Older Wisconsin Drivers Need a Vision Test at Renewal?

Wisconsin requires drivers to pass a vision screening at in-person renewals. DMV personnel will conduct a test for free, or drivers can have an exam performed by their:

• doctor (MD or DO)
• optometrist, or
• ophthalmologist. (Wis. Stat. § 343.16(3)(a).)

If you opt for your eye doctor to do the exam, your doctor must conduct the exam within 90 days of your renewal request and complete a Certificate of Vision Examination (Form MV3030V) showing you meet the state's standards. The DMV can require drivers with progressive eye conditions, like glaucoma or cataracts, to have their vision tested periodically and provide vision reports before renewal.

Learn more about Wisconsin's driver's license vision standards.

Do Wisconsin Seniors Need to Retest to Renew Their Licenses?

Wisconsin doesn't require older drivers to retake licensing tests at renewal based solely on their age. But if there's "good cause" to believe a driver might be unsafe behind the wheel, the DMV can require that driver to retest at license renewal. (Wis. Stat. § 343.16(6).)

• Written test: The state can require you to pass the written exam at renewal if DMV staff deem it necessary, or a medical worker, law enforcement officer, or other person with knowledge of your driving abilities requests retesting.
• Highway sign identification test: The highway sign identification test is part of the written exam, but it's scored separately. So, if you have to take the written test, you'll need to pass this part too.
• Road test: The DMV can require you to take a driving skills test at renewal if, as with the written test, someone requests retesting.

How to Renew Your Wisconsin Driver's License as a Senior

If you're a senior (65 or older), you'll need to take the following steps to renew your driver's license:

• Gather the documents you'll need:
• proof of identity (like your current driver's license)
• proof of immigration status (if you're not a U.S. citizen), and
• if your name has changed, you'll need proof of your name change (like a marriage certificate or divorce decree).
• Complete a Wisconsin Driver's License Application (Form MV3001 or MV3001S). You take the completed form with you to the DMV or fill one out at the license office.
• Visit a DMV Customer Service Center (find your local license renewal center and check wait times or make an appointment online )
• Have a new photo taken.
• Pass a vision test. If you wear corrective lenses during the test, the DMV will add a restriction to your license.
• Certain medical conditions, like a history of seizures or medication side effects, might require you to submit a medical exam report.
• If required, take the written exam or driving skills test.
• Pay the renewal fee (currently $34 for an eight-year license) and any additional fees (like testing or late fees).

Note that, if your name has changed since your last renewal, you must complete a name change form with the Social Security Administration (SSA) at least one day before appearing at the DMV. Additional documentation is required if you're applying for a Real ID.

Possible License Restrictions for Older Wisconsin Drivers

The DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a driver's license if requested by a doctor or after a vision or driving test.

The most common restriction for seniors is the requirement to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses while driving. In Wisconsin, other common requirements the DMV can impose on older drivers include:

• no freeway or interstate driving
• daylight driving only, and
• geographic area restrictions (like limiting driving to a radius of 5 or 15 miles from home).

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Wisconsin

Wisconsin doesn't require health care providers to report potentially unsafe drivers to the DMV. But the state accepts and investigates written concerns about unsafe driving from:

• medical professionals (like doctors or nurse practitioners)
• law enforcement (whether or not a citation was issued), and
• concerned citizens (like friends or family members).

Anyone with direct knowledge of a driver's ability or medical impairments can report the unsafe driver by completing a Driver Condition or Behavior Report (Form MV3141).

Medical professionals also have the option to request driver testing or a license restriction or license revocation by submitting a Medical Examination Report (Form MV3644) or Vision Report (Form MV3030V). The DMV can immediately cancel a driver's license based on a report from a health care provider.

The Driver Condition or Behavior Report form asks you to indicate the category for your concern, which could include a driver's:

• physical condition
• mental or emotional condition
• history of blackouts, seizures, or fainting spells
• lack of knowledge of traffic laws
• confusion or disorientation
• alcohol or drug misuse
• defective vision, and
• incidents of obstructing traffic.

You'll also have to describe your specific observations and the reason you're filing the report. Be as specific as possible. Reports submitted by friends or family members must include two signatures: one from the person making the report and another from someone who can verify the details.

Wisconsin has an open records law, which means the reported driver can find out who filed the report. But if you have a good reason to remain anonymous, you can request a Pledge of Confidentiality (Form MV3454), which you must sign in the presence of a DMV representative.

After receiving an unsafe driver report, WisDOT might request an additional medical report from a physician or other healthcare professional or require the driver to retest.

How to Get a License Reinstated in Wisconsin

Because each driver's situation is unique, there's no single path to reinstatement of your driving privileges. For general information on how to get back a Wisconsin license that's been suspended or revoked, see the DMV's page on getting a canceled or surrendered license reinstated. For specific information about your case, email your questions to the DMV.

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

The Wisconsin DMV issues Disabled Parking Identification (DIS ID) placards and license plates to drivers with medical conditions that limit their ability to walk. The state issues permanent DIS IDs (placards and license plates) to those with permanent disabilities and temporary placards to those with temporary impairments.

The term "permanent" parking ID is misleading, as drivers must renew and recertify their permanent disabled parking placards every four years. DIS ID license plates must be renewed annually, like regular plates. Temporary placards are valid for up to six months and can't be extended or renewed.

Displaying a disabled parking placard or plates on your vehicle allows you to:

• park in designated disabled spaces
• stay longer at spots with time limits of 30 minutes or more
• park free at municipal meters with time limits of at least half an hour, and
• purchase full-service fuel at self-serve prices.

The DIS ID plates and placards are available to drivers with mobility impairments and to those who transport someone with a mobility impairment. To qualify, a health care professional must certify that you or the person you transport meets at least one of the following conditions:

• can't walk 200 feet or more without stopping to rest
• can't walk without help from a person or an assistive device
• have severe lung disease
• use portable oxygen
• have severe heart conditions, or
• are severely limited in your ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition.

For detailed information about applying for disability identification plates and parking permits, including how to get disabled veteran plates, see the DMV's disabled parking information page or call the DMV at 608-264-7169.

Learn More About Wisconsin Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website has a wealth of information for Wisconsin drivers, including a downloadable version of the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook and a series of DMV customer how-to video guides.

Of special interest is the section dedicated to resources and information for older drivers, which includes advice on assessing driving skills, along with suggestions for finding local alternative transportation sources.