Older Drivers Get A Break – State Raises Mandatory Road Test Age To 87

For decades, balancing road safety with individual independence has been a challenge—especially for America’s aging population.

With nearly 1 in 5 drivers now over age 65, deciding when older drivers should face extra testing has been a fraught debate.

A recent policy shift in Illinois marks a pivotal moment in this ongoing discussion.

Why the Change Matters

Enhanced medical care, safer vehicles, and upgraded infrastructure mean today’s seniors are more active and mobile than ever. Yet older drivers often find themselves categorized simply based on age, rather than ability.

In Illinois, seniors were the only group required to take a driving test solely due to age. The new change disrupts that norm while still aiming to protect road safety.

What the New Law Changes

Illinois lawmakers recently passed the Road Safety and Fairness Act (House Bill 1226), which:

• Raises the mandatory behind-the-wheel test age from 79 to 87
• Retains road test requirement only for drivers 87 and older
• Reduces testing burdens on seniors aged 79–86
• Establishes a safe way for family members to report concerns about a loved one’s driving ability

Revised Renewal Process at a Glance

Age Group	Previous Requirement	New Requirement Under HB 1226
79–80	Road test required at renewal	Only vision test required; written test if violations exist
81–86	Road test every 2 years	Vision test only; written test if violations exist; biennial renewals
87+	Road test required annually	No change—annual road test and vision required
Additional Feature	Only medical officials, police, or attorneys could report unsafe drivers	Now immediate family members can also submit reports to authorities

Safety and Fairness: A Dual Focus

Officials cite recent crash data showing that seniors remain among the safest drivers on the road. In 2023, drivers aged 75+ had the lowest crash rates—far below any younger age group.

This data supports the shift away from broad, age-based testing toward assessments based on actual performance and health status.

At the same time, the law includes a much-needed family-reporting provision. Now, a spouse, child, or sibling can report concerns—enabling support for those whose driving abilities may decline—while preserving independence for capable seniors.

Political and Community Support

Passage of HB 1226 was unanimous, earning strong backing from both political parties and groups like AARP.

Many seniors and advocates have long identified the previous testing requirements as antiquated and discriminatory.

This legislation represents a recognition of seniors’ continued competence paired with a more respectful, data-driven approach to licensing.

Illinois has struck a thoughtful balance between fairness and safety. By increasing the mandatory road test age to 87, the state removes outdated hurdles for many capable seniors, while still safeguarding roads through vision screenings and family reporting mechanisms.

This progressive approach modernizes driver licensing for an aging population—protecting independence without compromising communal safety.

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