In Iowa a person must renew their license every five years on their birthday. For individuals age 70 and older, the license must be renewed every two years. A decline in driving skills does not necessarily mean a person’s driving days are over. The Iowa DOT Office of Driver Services makes every effort to enable older drivers to continue driving when and where it is safe to do so.
Driver’s license examiners will assess a person’s driving skills in an area that is familiar to the driver. For many older Iowans, this process results in a license that allows them independence and mobility, while restricting them to driving only in certain areas, “daylight only” driving privileges, driving at certain times of day when traffic is less congested, or speed limit restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Driver education and training programs can help older drivers refresh their knowledge and skills. Even after many years of driving, a review of driving laws and an assessment of skills can improve any driver’s ability behind the wheel. The Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging web site includes a search function that enables residents to find driver training resources in their county. To find a training program near you, visit http://www.i4a.org/search.php, click on Driver Training. Other driving education and training programs include the following: AARP's Driver Safety Program is the largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older. To find a course near you or take the course online, click here or visit AARP at http://www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety. Iowa Mature Driver Program provides a self paced online course. To access this course, click here or visit http://mature.idrivesafely.com/Iowa. Other driver education and training resources are included on the Road User section of this web site.
Research indicates the majority of older drivers begin to restrict their driving on their own. For instance, they may decide it is no longer safe to drive at night or when roads and highways are congested. A skills assessment is a tool to help older drivers determine whether it is wise for them to continue driving. There are several resources available to assist seniors in making decisions about driving that are included on the Road User section of this web site along with a list of warning signs that indicate it may be necessary to limit or stop driving.
Driving is associated with independence and a loss of that independence often makes it difficult for the individual to be involved in their community or even perform routine tasks such as grocery shopping or visits to the doctor. Without viable alternatives to driving, many older drivers will continue to drive because they feel they have no other option, or the person stops driving which can lead to depression and isolation. The Find A Ride section of this web site contains information on alternative transportation opportunities throughout Iowa that will help seniors make good decisions about their own safety and the safety of others on the roadway.
