How old is too old to drive in KS? Guidelines for senior drivers & families

Troopers with Kansas Highway Patrol acknowledge that, in many ways, driving can improve with age.

“Drivers ages 16 to 25 may be more aggressive and inexperienced, receiving more citations, and causing more accidents than other age groups,” KHP says.

“However, studies show that vision, hearing, reflexes, and cognitive abilities may deteriorate with age, and the proportion of people over age 75 who drive and are in accidents is comparable to young drivers,” KHP continued.

So, how old is too old to drive in Kansas? And are there restrictions to seniors who want to get or renew their license?

Here’s what senior drivers and their families should know.

Is there an age limit for driving in Kansas?

You need to be 14 to start driving with a permit, but there is no age too old to drive in Kansas as long as you have a valid license.

“The Division of Vehicles makes every effort to assist drivers to obtain and maintain their driving privileges,” state officials say. “Our office is ADA and statutorily compliant with all of our requests and requirements. We do not discriminate by age or impairment, however we are charged with the duty to determine a driver’s safety on the roadways in Kansas.”

In Kansas, state law says people who are 65 or older must renew their licenses every 4 years, compared to every 6 years for drivers ages 21 to 64. To renew a driver’s license, drivers must pass a vision exam.

Are medical exams necessary for older drivers?

The Kansas Division of Vehicles says drivers may need to complete a medical or vision exam “in response to the State of Kansas receiving a report from a traffic stop, accident, medical/rehab evaluation or ‘Letter of Concern.’”

The forms must be completed by a physician familiar with the driver’s medical history.

If you are no longer “a safe candidate to operate a motor vehicle,” your license will be revoked.

Is a driving test needed for older drivers?

The Division of Vehicles says drivers may need to take and pass a drive test if requested by their doctors.

Others may need to take the test if someone has filed a “letter of concern.”

“If you pass on the first attempt your license continues,” officials say. “If not, you will have three additional attempts to take and pass the drive test if it is deemed safe to continue testing. If you fail four attempts you are revoked for six months. If you choose to pursue driving privileges after that period, you will be required to have new medical and vision exams for clearance.”

How do I file a ‘letter of concern?’

If you are concerned about a driver, you may file a letter of concern.

The letter is available on the Kansas Department of Revenue’s website and can be completed by law enforcement, medical providers, concerned citizens and family members.

The form will ask you to report conditions that may affect a person’s ability to safely drive and any concerning behaviors you have observed.

After submitting the letter, state officials will send the driver a letter and medical forms they must complete within 30 days.

Are there options other than reporting a senior driver?

If you are concerned about a parent or family member but don’t want to report them, there are other options.

“You may want to encourage your parent to participate in a driving evaluation at a rehabilitation center which focuses on the skills necessary to safely operate a vehicle,” state officials say. “Many facilities utilize computer based testing, if this is a concern inquire as to what percentage of the evaluation is computer based and choose a facility. The assessment will measure the driver’s reaction time, divided attention, motor skills and cognitive abilities.”

State troopers say you may also express your concerns with the driver and arrange them other modes of transportation.