Senior Driving Resources
AAA is committed to providing senior drivers the tools they need to navigate through life safely.
Learn more about the Blue Shield of California Medicare plans that include a AAA Classic Membership. We are committed to helping you stay safer on the road with expert advice, and access to driver resources — available for AAA Members at no additional cost. Your journey to MORE coverage and value starts here.
Hit the road and know you’re covered with Blue Shield and AAA.
Activate your AAA Classic Membership from Blue Shield of California by calling AAA Member Services at 844-951-2100. Our agents are available to answer any questions you may have about your AAA benefit.
AAA resources
Know the Laws in California
A rapidly growing number of senior drivers on our nation’s highways has prompted many states to develop special tools, programs and resources to assist older adults and their families to better manage safe driving.
Many states also have enacted driver’s licensing laws with special provisions for older adults. Summarized below are programs and licensing laws that exist in the great state of California.
Senior Licensing Laws
Licensing policies for older adults vary from state to state. In California, motorists are required to renew their driver’s licenses every five years. At every in-person renewal, a person must pass a vision test. Until age 70, only two successive renewals may be made by mail if a person does not wish to visit the California driver’s license office. However, the licensing renewal process for older adults includes the following condition:
- Limited renewal options. People age 70 and older must apply in person for every renewal.
Reporting a Potential Unsafe Driver
Almost every state, including California, has a process for reporting a potentially unsafe driver to its licensing office or department of motor vehicles. Law enforcement officers and physicians represent the majority of individuals submitting reports, although concerned citizens also can do so. If a state agency finds a complaint reasonable and credible, it may ask the reported driver to submit additional information, which could be used to help determine if a screening or assessment is justified.
Visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about the process and possible outcomes. You will be required to provide your name and contact information.
State-Specific Programs for Senior Drivers
CALIFORNIA DMV OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM
The California Department of Motor Vehicles has created a Senior Ombudsman Program designed to help keep older drivers on the road as long as safely possible. The program has four statewide ombudsmen who can help older drivers with specific concerns about driving. The program is designed to ensure that senior drivers are treated in a fair and consistent manner regarding licensing laws and regulations.
AMERICAN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION
Driving specialists and occupational therapists specialize in driver rehabilitation and can help identify a driver’s visual, physical and cognitive health, and they can make recommendations to limit risks. Find a driving specialist in your area.
Understand Aging
Driving Skills
Get to Know Your Car
Decoding New Car Technology
Resources for Family and Friends
Blue Shield of California is an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
*This tool is intended to provide users with general information to help them better understand the traffic safety implications of using certain medications before driving. The information is not medical advice. Consult with your doctor before altering any medications or driving, or if you have specific medical questions or think you may be suffering from any medical condition.
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