When Should You Retire From Driving?

For most Americans, driving is more than just a way to get from one place to another—it symbolizes independence, freedom, and self-reliance.

As we get older, it’s natural to wonder whether there will come a time when it’s safer to hand over the keys. The average age at which people give up driving is 75 (AARP), and most have given up driving when they are in their 80’s.

But here’s one thing to remember: age alone should not dictate when you stop driving.

But the older you get, the more aware you should be of your skills and ability to drive safely.

Some people remain excellent drivers well into their 80s and beyond, while others may experience challenges much earlier.

What matters is your health, awareness, and ability to drive safely. Let’s examine what you should consider when deciding whether to make adjustments or possibly retire from driving.

Health and Medications Matter More Than Age

Certain medical conditions can affect your driving abilities, including:

• Vision problems (such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration)
• Hearing loss (making it harder to detect emergency sirens or car horns)
• Slower reflexes or decreased flexibility
• Cognitive decline (including memory loss or slower decision-making)
• Arthritis (which can make turning the wheel or looking over your shoulder painful)

In addition, some medications — especially those that cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision — can interfere with safe driving. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how your prescriptions may affect you behind the wheel.

Warning Signs – When You Should Reevaluate

Being honest with yourself about your driving is important. Some warning signs that it may be time to take action or retire from driving include:

• Getting lost on familiar roads
• Frequent close calls, dents, or scrapes on your car
• Difficulty reading traffic signs or signals
• Trouble turning to check blind spots
• Being easily distracted or feeling overwhelmed by traffic
• Receiving more frequent traffic tickets or warnings

If you notice one or more of these issues, or if friends and family express concern, it’s a good idea to reassess your driving habits. And maybe retire from driving.

Steps You Can Take

Rather than making a sudden decision to stop driving altogether, there are often steps you can take to stay safe longer, such as:

• Get a vision and hearing check regularly; the older you get, the more often.
• Adjust your driving schedule: Drive only during daylight hours and avoid busy highways.
• Take a defensive driving course geared toward older adults.
• Fresh up your knowledge about standard traffic rules with a practice test (see below). You think you know it all, but you probably don’t.
• Adapt your vehicle with safety features like backup cameras, blind-spot monitors, or larger mirrors.
• Review your medications with your healthcare provider.

Sometimes, just a few small changes can make a big difference in your driving safety.

Explore Alternatives

If driving is no longer a safe option, giving up driving doesn’t mean giving up your freedom. There are many travel alternatives to help you stay active and independent:

• Public transportation
• Senior shuttle services
• Ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft
• Carpooling with friends and family
• Walking or biking for shorter trips

Planning ahead for this transition can make it much easier and less stressful.

The One Thing To Remember

It’s not about your age but your ability to drive safely. Stay informed about your health, recognize the warning signs early, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments.

Photo Credits

• Senior driver – female – Photo by RDNE Stock project (Pexels)
• Senior driver – male – Photo by Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)

Links to Our State Practice Tests