Driver licenses may be renewed for 4 or 6 years, depending on the driver history. After two mail-in renewals drivers must renew in a driver license office. All drivers over the age of 79 must pass a vision test at time of renewal.

Detection and remediation of unsafe drivers on Florida's highways is one of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' highest priorities. In 2003 the Florida At Risk Driver Advisory Council was established by law at DHSMV, and a study was conducted on the effects of aging on driving abilities. The study findings and recommendations for improving the safety of at-risk drivers was given to the legislature in February 2004.

DHSMV is continuing to evaluate testing procedures through research, pilot studies and model programs to find the best tools for driving skills screening utilizing new technology. A cooperative agreement was entered into with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to establish a model program to identify drivers with cognitive impairment who may be at significant risk for vehicular crashes. The focus is on capabilities rather than age as a determinant of driving ability. This approach is designed to promote early detection of problems through a tiered driver skill screening system enabling local referral and remediation and/or treatment.

The Florida DHSMV obtained funding through a Florida Department of Transportation grant for establishment of the Florida GrandDriver® program. Florida DHSMV was a partner in the exploration and establishment of Florida Senior Safety Resource Centers statewide to promote driver skill screening and mobility counseling with local referral, remediation and/or treatment outside DHSMV.

Florida already has measures in place to re-examine any driver whose driving ability is questionable due to any physical, visual or mental impairment. Complaints received by the DHSMV of problem drivers are investigated and if problems are confirmed, re-examination is required. For more information on reporting problem drivers, go to Finding Resources - Concerned About a Driver section.

The rapid growth of the oldest segment of our population creates special transportation problems in Florida. Persons 85 years of age and older are the fastest growing demographic group in the United States; with Florida ranking 2nd in the nation. By 2020 the 65+ population will double in Florida. For the age group 75+ fatalities could increase by 45% or more, which would exceed the DUI fatalities.

Medical advances have made significant increases to life expectancy, and citizens are electing to drive longer. Still, the prospects for outliving the ability to safety operate an automobile have dramatically increased for many persons. The Florida Commission on Transportation Disadvantaged has information available on transportation choices For those who limit or stop driving. For more information, call 1-800-983-2435 or go to: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/ctd

In Florida in the year 2000, out of 2,999 total fatalities, 260 (8.7%) were individuals age 70 and older.

• Drivers 70 and older were involved in 23,611 crashes in 1995.
• Drivers 70 and Above were involved in 25,813 crashes in 2000.
• That was an increase of 9% in crashes, but an increase of 21% in population was experienced.

Senior transportation is a Public Health Issue.

• Older persons are more likely to be injured in a crash due to their frailty.
• Lack of mobility causes depression , loneliness and often early nursing home admittance.
• Mobility aids health and quality of life.

While most older drivers do a good job at reducing and stopping driving when their capabilities decline, many are not aware of how far their capabilities have declined due to age-related illness, and physical, cognitive, and vision changes.

Research data shows that crash rates for drivers with cognitive impairments/dementia are twice as high as older drivers without cognitive impairments; and crash rates for those with both dementia and cardiovascular disease were four times as high.

Research data also shows that approximately 50 % of seniors age 85 and older are estimated to have Alzheimer's or related dementia , that means up to 74,475 licensed drivers could be affected in the mild to moderate states. But then not all of these licensed drivers with dementia are still driving.

Crash fatalities for 75+ age group remains relatively high compared to other age groups; they constitute 4.39% of the drivers in the state, but account for 14.46% of drivers killed (FL DHSMV 2000 Traffic Crash Facts).