Colorado Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers (2024)

Learn about driving provisions and special programs focused on keeping both Colorado's older drivers and roadways safe.

While the myriad rules and regulations enforced by the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) apply to drivers of all ages and stages, the state imposes some special requirements and restrictions on older drivers.

Colorado state rules are explained in more detail below, but a number of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe. Specifically, Colorado:

  • requires drivers age 61 and older to renew their licenses every five years
  • prohibits drivers age 66 and older from renewing online
  • requires vision tests for drivers ages 66 and older, and
  • accepts written reports about potentially unsafe drivers from law enforcement, courts, physicians and close relatives.

Colorado License Renewal Rules for Older Drivers

Special rules apply to drivers who are 61 and older who seek to renew their licenses.

Time limits: Drivers age 61 and older must renew every 5 years; younger drivers renew every 10 years. No renewal online for drivers 66 and older, who can check eligibility to renew by mail by submitting name, date of birth, and license number to the Colorado Department of Revenue online.

Vision test: Required for drivers age 66 and over.

Written test: May be required if there are indications of driver impairment, based on a report by law enforcement, a court, a physician or optometrist, or a family member.

Road test: May be required if there are indications of driver impairment, based on a report by law enforcement, a court, a physician or optometrist, or a family member.

Possible License Restrictions

The Colorado DMV can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her.

The most common restriction for older drivers is to require glasses or corrective contact lenses.

Other common requirements the DMV may impose on older drivers include:

  • no freeway driving
  • an additional right side mirror on a vehicle
  • no nighttime driving, and
  • time of day restrictions—for example, no driving during rush hour traffic.

How to Request an Unsafe Driver Investigation in Colorado

Written requests that the Colorado DMV examine or reexamine a driver may come from:

  • law enforcement personnel
  • courts; this usually occurs after a court determines that a person is not mentally competent
  • physicians or optometrists, or
  • close relatives—including a spouse, parent, or child. The request must include the reason for the re-exam or medical requirement. The person requesting must also include his or her full name and address and relationship to the driver. Such requests are not kept confidential; drivers are entitled to a copy of the request by paying a fee of $2.20.

Reporting Requirements for Doctors

Colorado physicians are encouraged, but not required, to report to the DMV patients' conditions that may cause a lapse of consciousness, seizures, or other medical conditions that may affect the ability to drive safely.

How to Get a License Reinstated

For information on how to get back a license that has been suspended or revoked, contact one of the Driver's License Offices located throughout the state.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers who have impaired mobility if a licensed medical professional verifies the condition.

The placards and plates are also available for those who:

  • are unable to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest
  • are unable to move about without the aid of a mechanical device
  • have a severe lung disease
  • use portable oxygen
  • have a severe heart condition, or
  • have a limited ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition.

Steps required to obtain a disabled placard or plate are:

  • Complete and sign a Persons With Disabilities Parking Privileges Application.
  • Have a licensed physician, commissioned medical officer, advanced practice nurse, physician's assistant, podiatrist, chiropractor, or physical therapist complete the center part of the form.
  • Mail the original application to the address on the form.

Learn More About Colorado Driving Rules for Seniors

The DMV website has a wealth of information for Colorado drivers, including current information on licensing and titling. Of special interest is the downloadable Colorado Driver Handbook, which contains tips on driver safety and local rules of the road.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

You can use Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a local lawyer experienced in representing older people who need help with auto accidents or traffic tickets in Colorado.

Colorado Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers (2024)

FAQs

At what age do seniors have to take a driving test in Colorado? ›

Senior Drivers in Colorado

Drivers 60 and older are required to renew their licenses every five years in person at a local Department of Motor Vehicles office. Most seniors will be asked to take a basic vision test to prove that they can see well enough to safely operate a motor vehicle.

How do I report an elderly driver in Colorado? ›

You must call the Department of Revenue at (303) 205-5886 or (303) 205-5851 or send a letter to request a re-examination by faxing (303) 205-8301 .

Do you have to retake driving test at 70? ›

Although your licence expires when you turn 70, it doesn't automatically mean you have to stop driving. It just means you will need to renew your driving licence every three years if you want to continue. You won't have to take another test and there's no upper age limit for driving.

Do old people have to retake driving test? ›

In short, no. However, drivers need to reapply for their licence at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter. There is no requirement to take a test but applicants must declare that they are fit and healthy to drive and their eyesight meets the minimum requirements for driving via self assessment.

When elderly parents should stop driving? ›

Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions. Frequent dings, dents and scrapes on the vehicle. Delayed response to unexpected situations. Getting lost, especially in familiar locations.

Can a 80 year old drive? ›

There is no upper age limit for driving a car. However, all drivers have to renew their driving licence when they reach the age of 70 and every three years from then on.

How do I report an unsafe driver in Colorado? ›

Dial *CSP (*277)

The Colorado State Patrol's Star CSP (*277) aggressive driver program was implemented on July 1, 1998. The CSP partnered with several cellular companies to provide a phone number, free of charge, to be used by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to report "real time" aggressive driving behavior.

How often do you need to renew your driving license over 70? ›

Driving licences expire at 70 years of age, so when you reach 70, you need to renew your driving licence if you wish to continue driving. You then need to renew it every three years afterwards.

What is considered elder abuse in Colorado? ›

Colorado law defines abuse of an at-risk elder as the non-accidental infliction of bodi- ly injury or death, unreasonable confinement or restraint, caretaker neglect, exploitation, or subjecting a person over 70 to unwanted sexual conduct or contact classified as a crime.

Should a 90 year old be driving? ›

Conclusion: Drivers age 90 and above were at no greater driving risk than those one decade younger. MMSE orientation questions may be useful to assist in identifying which oldest old drivers could benefit from a comprehensive driving evaluation including an on-road test.

What is the average age People give up driving? ›

In the current study, the average intended age of giving up driving was 82 years.

What does 4b mean on driving licence? ›

Date of licence issue (4a), expiry (4b), issuing authority (4) The date shown in 4a is the date the photocard was issued. 4b shows the date the driving licence expires. The authority that issued the licence is shown in 4c.

Who is the oldest person to pass driving test? ›

5. Who's the oldest person to pass their driving test? Eileen Ash from Norfolk passed the driving test at 105. She first started driving in the early 1930s, so she never actually took a driving test—anyone who held a licence before 1934 didn't need to.

Can a 70 year old drive a 7.5 ton? ›

When you have to renew your license at 70 years old, you do not automatically continue to have the Category which allows you to drive vehicles which are between 3.5T and 7.5T on your license (C1).

Do driving skills decline with age? ›

In many ways, aging reduces the faculties needed to drive. In addition to cognitive decline, decreased vision, decreased hearing, and decreased motor skills, such as reaction time or coordination, can take a toll.

How do you tell a parent they are too old to drive? ›

Seven helpful tips to talk about taking away the car keys
  1. Be sympathetic. For most adults, driving is an essential form of freedom. ...
  2. Know the facts. ...
  3. Research transportation alternatives. ...
  4. Take the long-term approach. ...
  5. Suggest they go to the DMV. ...
  6. Point out the consequences. ...
  7. Always remember the point of your conversations.
27 Feb 2021

What to do when elderly parents refuse to stop driving? ›

Some ideas:
  1. Arrange a ride schedule with family and friends.
  2. Use on-demand ride services like Uber or Lyft.
  3. Take taxis.
  4. Hire a private car service for several hours each week.
  5. Take public transportation.
  6. Get rides from volunteer drivers from senior centers or religious and community service organizations.

What medical conditions can prevent you from driving? ›

Neurological conditions

Multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and other conditions affecting your nervous system can all affect your ability to drive.

Is 75 years old considered elderly? ›

Who is Defined as Elderly? Typically, the elderly has been defined as the chronological age of 65 or older. People from 65 to 74 years old are usually considered early elderly, while those over 75 years old are referred to as late elderly.

Who is the oldest driver? ›

Oldest Drivers (105+)
NameSexAge at death or current age
Pauline AnglemanF113 years, 10 days
Layne HallM110 years, 252 days or 109/105 years, 332 days
Fred HaleM113 years, 354 days
Joe NewmanM108 years, 214 days
3 more rows

What happens when you report an aggressive driver in Colorado? ›

Tonight at 10: What happens when you report an aggressive driver?

Do I need to renew my driving Licence at 65? ›

If you wish to continue driving after your 65th birthday, you'll need to renew your driving licence every three years. This is to ensure that you're medically fit to continue driving. We advise you to start the process early before your birthday so that you'll have enough time to arrange for your medical test.

Is road rage illegal in Colorado? ›

The legal ramifications of being involved in a road rage accident in Colorado are both criminal and civil. A person can face criminal charges such as reckless driving, assault, and battery or assault with a dangerous weapon.

Do you have to pay to renew your driving licence at 73? ›

Unless you have reached the age of 70, or your details have changed since your licence was issued, you don't need to renew your paper driving licence. You can still upgrade your paper licence at any time by applying to exchange it for a photocard. How can I renew my photocard driving licence?

Can I drive while waiting for my over 70 licence renewal? ›

You can drive while your licence is being renewed if you meet all the following conditions: you have the support of your doctor to continue driving. you had a valid licence. you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence.

What are the 7 signs of elder abuse? ›

Learning to recognize the signs of elder abuse and neglect can help you protect your loved ones.
...
Signs of Elder Abuse
  • Cuts and abrasions.
  • Bruising and welts.
  • Broken bones.
  • Broken eyeglasses.
  • Drug overdose.
  • Rope marks on wrists.
  • Sprains or dislocations.

Is it a felony to hit someone over 65 in Colorado? ›

Colorado has no specific crime of elder abuse. Instead, state law provides for a penalty enhancement, meaning harsher sentencing if a person commits certain crimes against a victim age 70 or older.

What are the five signs of elder abuse? ›

Watch for these signs of abuse:
  • Seems depressed, confused, or withdrawn.
  • Isolated from friends and family.
  • Has unexplained bruises, burns, or scars.
  • Appears dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over-or undermedicated, or not receiving needed care for medical problems.
  • Has bed sores or other preventable conditions.

What is the oldest age to get a drivers license? ›

The youngest age in any state that a driver can obtain a learner's permit is 14 years old, and the highest age is 16 years old. Restricted licenses can be obtained anywhere from 14.5 years to 17 years old, and full licenses are granted between 16 to 18 years old.

What is the single most common cause of accidents among senior drivers? ›

Older drivers cause accidents most often by missing traffic lights and signs at busy intersections, driving the wrong way, and pose extra dangers by driving impaired by medications or when vision is hindered.

How do seniors drive longer? ›

10 tricks to boost your driving distance as you get older
  1. Use your hands and wrists. ...
  2. Close your stance. ...
  3. Turn early. ...
  4. Turn your hips, too. ...
  5. Make the club lighter on your backswing. ...
  6. Lighter clubs. ...
  7. Use more loft. ...
  8. Proper ball position.
15 Feb 2021

Do people who dont drive live longer? ›

According to the study, every hour you spend behind the wheel in North America leads to a 20-minute loss of life expectancy due to the risks of a fatal car crash. Further, the study concluded that by slowing down just two miles per hour, the average driver would increase their life expectancy by three hours per year.

What age group gets pulled over the most? ›

Young drivers were more likely to be pulled over by police than older drivers. One measure of this difference is that young drivers age 16 to 24 were a larger percentage (26%) of drivers stopped by police than they were of drivers in the United States (15.3%).

Why do older drivers give up driving? ›

As we age, factors such as decreased vision, impaired hearing, slower motor reflexes, and worsening health conditions can become a problem. Aging also tends to result in a reduction of strength, coordination, and flexibility, which can impact your ability to safely control a car.

What does D mean on driving licence? ›

D - You can drive any bus with 8 passenger seats and a trailer up to 750kg. D1 - You can drive minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres and a trailer up to 750kg.

What does 9 mean on driving licence? ›

CHARACTERS 9-10: The date within the month of birth – this would be 01-31. CHARACTER 11: The year digit from the year of birth. For example, 1993 would be 3. CHARACTERS 12-13: The first two initials of the first names – if driver has no middle name, the character is replaced with a 9.

What does number 13 mean on driving licence? ›

13 Steering wheel - This is a security feature in the shape of a steering wheel. The colour of the wheel changes from green to gold depending on how you tilt the licence.

Do you have to sit another driving test at 70? ›

Yes. Although your licence expires when you turn 70, it doesn't automatically mean you have to stop driving. It just means you will need to renew your driving licence every three years if you want to continue.

Do old people have to redo their driving test? ›

In short, no. However, drivers need to reapply for their licence at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter. There is no requirement to take a test but applicants must declare that they are fit and healthy to drive and their eyesight meets the minimum requirements for driving via self assessment.

What's the most someone has failed their driving test? ›

That honour goes to an unnamed 42-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent who failed 36 driving tests before passing on his 37th go.

What happens when you get to 70 with your driving licence? ›

Once you reach the age of 70, your licence expires, but this doesn't automatically mean you have to stop driving. You just need to renew your driving licence if you want to continue. You'll need to renew it every 3 years after that.

Can a 80 year old drive? ›

There's no legal age at which you must stop driving. You can decide when to stop as long as you don't have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Find out how changes to your health can affect your driving and how to give up your licence, if needed.

Do you need a special license to drive a 7 ton truck? ›

Do I need an operator's licence to hire a 7.5-tonne lorry? Yes, you'll need an Operator's licence, or O-licence, if your business carries goods over 3.5-tonnes (3,500 Kgs) gross plated weighted or unladen weight of more than 1.52-tonnes (1525 Kgs) in a lorry, van or any other vehicle.

When elderly parents should stop driving? ›

Driving too fast or too slow for road conditions. Frequent dings, dents and scrapes on the vehicle. Delayed response to unexpected situations. Getting lost, especially in familiar locations.

Should a 90 year old be driving? ›

Conclusion: Drivers age 90 and above were at no greater driving risk than those one decade younger. MMSE orientation questions may be useful to assist in identifying which oldest old drivers could benefit from a comprehensive driving evaluation including an on-road test.

What most distracts older drivers? ›

New research shows older drivers are more distracted by technology while behind the wheel. According to a new study from AAA and the University of Utah, on average, drivers aged 55 and older took their eyes off the road for up to eight seconds longer than younger drivers while performing simple tasks.

Do you have to retake the driving test in Colorado? ›

If your license is expired for one year or less, you will not be required to retest. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will be required to take both the written exam and drive skills test.

Can seniors renew drivers license online in Colorado? ›

Coloradans ages 66 and older can renew their driver license or ID online at myDMV.Colorado.gov or via the myColorado™ app.

Does Colorado require a driving test? ›

First, you'll need to have a road test scheduled. There are no walk-ins. You can easily make a Colorado road test appointment online. Then, make sure you have the necessary paperwork.

Do I need to renew my driving licence at 65? ›

If you wish to continue driving after your 65th birthday, you'll need to renew your driving licence every three years. This is to ensure that you're medically fit to continue driving. We advise you to start the process early before your birthday so that you'll have enough time to arrange for your medical test.

What does a red license plate in Colorado mean? ›

You have probably seen several cars with red license plates. The color denotes that the vehicle is part of a fleet. The plates will have the “FLT” prefix stamped on the side. Here are some other common prefixes you might see on Colorado plates: PRM: Apportioned Permanent Trailer.

What does DD mean on driver's license? ›

DD is an abbreviation for Document Discriminator. A number of states started adding this piece of information to their driver's licenses several years ago. The DD is a security code that identifies where and when the license was issued. It, thus, uniquely identifies each card for a given individual.

Is parallel parking on Colorado driving test? ›

Do you have to parallel park in the Colorado driving test? No, parallel parking is not included on the road test in Colorado.

Do you need an eye exam to renew your license in Colorado? ›

In order to renew a license online, an individual must have had an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within the last three years.

Do you have to reapply for driving licence at 80? ›

Driving licences expire at 70 years of age, so when you reach 70, you need to renew your driving licence if you wish to continue driving. You then need to renew it every three years afterwards.

How long do you have to renew your drivers license after it expires in Colorado? ›

You will get a 30-day grace period after a driver's license expires in Colorado. A driver must retake their written and road exams a year after their license expires.

Can I drive without my license on me in Colorado? ›

If you drive without ever having been issued a valid license in Colorado, you face a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. You may receive up to 90 days in jail, but the judge has discretion over sentencing. You may also pay a fine.

What is on the Colorado driving road test? ›

To put it simply, you'll need to demonstrate that you'll be able to safely change lanes, follow the speed limit, navigate intersections, use your signals/headlights, understand traffic laws and traffic signs, and observe and react to traffic and bikers/pedestrians.

What is a 2 point turn? ›

A two-point turn allows you to change direction in areas with low traffic by making use of driveways or cross streets. Stop at the end of a driveway or cross street and reverse your vehicle into it. Pull forward into the roadway and make your turn in the other direction.

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