Texas Driving Laws for Seniors (2024)
What are the Texas senior citizen driving rules? We'll how to keep your senior citizen car insurance rates in Texas at or below the annual average of $1,245. Affordable senior citizen car insurance in Texas is not out of reach.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Aug 5, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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What are the elderly driving laws in Texas? We understand that auto insurance for seniors in Texas can be a bit confusing and that the Texas DMV occasionally does things differently. We’ve included a step-by-step review to help, including information about Texas auto insurance and Texas driving laws for seniors.
If you are ready to buy car insurance for elderly drivers in Texas, find the right insurer by typing your ZIP code into our helpful tool above and find senior citizen car insurance quotes in Texas near you.
- Drivers between the ages of 79 and 84 must renew their licenses once every six years.
- Drivers 85 and above must renew in person every two years.
- Drivers 79 and above must take a vision test and medical evaluation when renewing their licenses.
Drivers License Renewal for Elderly Drivers in Texas
The process of drivers license renewal for seniors in Texas has a few caveats. What are the renewal requirements for a drivers license for senior citizens in Texas? Let’s take a look at the following table:
Texas Senior Citizin Driver's License Renewal Regulations
Driver Age | Renewal Period | Renewal Options | Testing Required |
---|---|---|---|
Age 78 and under | Every 12 years | Online By phone By mail In person | N/A |
Ages 79 to 84 | Every six years | In person | Vision test required; knowledge and/or road test at DMV discretion |
Age 85 and over | Every two years | In person | Vision test required; knowledge and/or road test at DMV discretion |
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, drivers aged 79 or older are required to renew their driver license in-person. This age limit for a drivers license also applies for older drivers of motor homes in Texas.
Do senior citizens have to retake a driving test in Texas? Older drivers have to take an eye exam to renew their license in Texas. A specialist will evaluate their responses to determine if any additional testing is needed.
Applicants must have 20/70 vision with correction or 20/40 without correction. Those with vision below those levels must be examined by an outside vision specialist.
The Texas Department of Public Safety may also deem a knowledge test or road test necessary.
Furthermore, they can impose daytime-only driving, no freeway driving, driving only when another driver who is aged 21 and above is in the front seat, hearing aids while driving, and a requirement not to exceed 45 miles per hour.
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How do I Renew my Texas Drivers License
The introduction of the Real ID has had a significant impact on United States driving laws. This is, unfortunately, proving to be a problem for many seniors in the state of Texas. Let’s take a look at a news report further explaining this issue.
Do you need your birth certificate to renew your license in Texas? A number of older drivers in Texas do not have birth certificates. The problem is prevalent enough that the Texas DMV has begun walking senior drivers through the process of obtaining the Real ID.
Another issue is epilepsy, a fairly common condition amongst senior citizens. The Texas DMV states that epilepsy (and similar medical conditions) will not disallow an individual from driving.
Texas might require a medical evaluation process for driver licensing of elderly drivers. For example, for medical conditions such as epilepsy, the driver must be under a doctor’s care at that time and must not have had a seizure in a period of three months prior to the license application.
These are factors that could allow insurers to see you as more of a risk. However, with proper precautions, you could be paying the average annual rates of $1,245 or less that seniors tend to enjoy. The following link helps to further answer the question, “What is the minimum requirement for auto insurance in Texas?”
Before moving on to some FAQs, learn some tips for buying auto insurance for seniors. Furthermore, type your ZIP code into our free tool below to find the best auto insurance for seniors over 80.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific elderly driving laws by state that apply to senior drivers in Texas?
Yes, Texas has certain driving laws that are specific to senior drivers. These laws aim to ensure road safety for both senior drivers and other road users.
At what age should you stop driving in Texas?
In Texas, there are no specific age-related restrictions or requirements for senior drivers. Regardless of the driving age, in Texas, all drivers, must adhere to the same traffic laws and regulations.
At what age do you have to retest for a drivers license in Texas?
Elderly drivers in Texas (ages 79 and older) are required to renew their driver’s licenses in person and undergo a vision test at each renewal.
Do seniors in Texas have to retake a driving test to renew their licenses?
Generally, older drivers do need to retake their test. Texas does not have a mandatory written or driving test for elderly drivers during the license renewal process. However, a license examiner may request a driving test if there are concerns about a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Can a family member or medical professional report concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely in Texas?
Yes, family members, medical professionals, or concerned individuals can report their concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The department may review the report and conduct an investigation if necessary.
Are there any driving restrictions for elderly drivers in Texas, particularly on nighttime driving?
Texas does not impose specific restrictions on nighttime driving for senior drivers. However, it is generally advised for all drivers, including seniors, to exercise caution when driving at night due to decreased visibility.
Do senior drivers in Texas receive any auto insurance discounts?
Texas law does not mandate specific auto insurance discounts for senior drivers. However, many insurance companies offer discounts on car insurance for seniors in Texas for completing defensive driving courses or for safe driving records.
Do you have to take a driving test at 75 in Texas?
In Texas, you do not have to retake your driving test at a certain age. However, there are specific requirements for drivers license renewal at age 80 and above.
Can seniors renew drivers license online in Texas?
You cannot renew your Texas drivers license online if you’re 79 years or older. There is no upper driving license renewal age limit, however, the renewal procedures and intervals vary by age.
Do you have to take a vision test to renew your license in Texas?
Yes, you will be asked to undergo a vision test once you complete the application for Texas drivers license renewal.
At what age do you retake your driving test in Texas?
A driving test is not automatically required unless there is a specific reason to believe it’s necessary, such as a medical condition that could affect driving ability or a recent record of accidents or traffic violations. In some cases, a doctor can stop an elderly person from driving because of their health conditions, certain medications or sleep deprivation.
How early can you renew your drivers license in Texas?
In Texas, you can renew your driver’s license up to two years before it expires.
At what age do they take your license away?
There isn’t a specific age limit for a drivers license in Texas to be withdrawn, simply due to age. The decision is based on an individual’s ability to drive safely, not strictly on their age. However, as drivers age, they may face more frequent checks or tests to ensure they remain capable of driving safely.
Can I get driving license after 60 years in Texas?
Yes, you can obtain a driver’s license in Texas at any age over 18, including after the age of 60. There are no age restrictions for applying for a driver’s license. However, seniors do need an appointment at the DMV when applying for or renewing a driver’s license.
What is the new Texas policy for senior drivers?
So, what is the new rule for senior drivers? The new policy for senior drivers in Texas includes:
- Ages 79 and Older: Drivers who are 79 years old and above must renew their driver’s licenses in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Texas drivers license renewal online for seniors is not possible.
- Vision Test: At each in-person renewal, they must pass a vision test to ensure they meet the minimum visual acuity standards necessary for safe driving.
- Potential Driving Test: Depending on reports regarding a senior’s driving abilities, or if there are specific medical concerns, a DPS officer may also require a driving test for senior citizens at the time of renewal.
What documents are needed for Texas drivers license renewal?
You will need the provide the following documents for Texas drivers license renewal:
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Presence
- Proof of Texas Residency
- Completed Application for Renewal
- Evidence of Texas Vehicle Registration and Insurance (if you own a vehicle)
- Fee
Do I need proof of residency to renew my Texas drivers license?
You are required to provide two documents proving your residency in Texas, which could include utility bills, bank statements, or a lease agreement. These documents must show your name and a Texas address.
What does an advancing age mean in driving?
According to the DMV, an advancing age means how the natural process of aging can affect a person’s driving abilities. Older adults may experience a decline in vision, including reduced night vision and sensitivity to glare.
Reduced hearing can affect a driver’s ability to detect sirens, horns, or other important sounds that can signal potential hazards. In addition, with age, reflexes might slow down, which can delay response times to sudden or unexpected driving situations.
What is the cost to renew a driver’s license in Texas?
The cost to renew a driver’s license in Texas varies depending on the type of license and the applicant’s age. For a standard driver’s license (Class A, B, or C) for adults, the fee is $33 for a license that is valid for eight years. For drivers 85 years of age and older, the fee is $9 for a license that is valid for two years.
What are the Texas drivers license renewal online eligibility requirements for seniors drivers?
Drivers under 79 years old can renew their licenses online, by mail, or in person.
Drivers 79 years old and older must renew their licenses in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.