ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s common knowledge that not just anyone is allowed to drive in Florida.
Teens have to wait until they’re 15 years old for a learner’s permit, and the minimum age for a driver’s license is 16 years old.
However, it turns out that there’s also a maximum age limit — in a sense.
While there’s no exact age at which Florida drivers are no longer allowed to get behind the wheel, there are some rules that kick in when you get old enough.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
Typically, Florida drivers are required to renew their licenses every eight years.
But according to the FLHSMV, when drivers reach 80 years old, this figure gets shortened down to six years.
In addition, those 80 years old and over aren’t allowed to renew their driver’s license online and must pass a vision test at a service center (at no extra charge) or with their doctor to ensure they can still see well enough to drive.
[BELOW: In this situation, bikes have the right of way]
When one of these senior residents passes his/her vision test, he/she or the doctor must submit a “Mature Driver Vision Test” form. These rules stem from a law passed back in 2003.
That said, those who feel as though they’re no longer able to drive safely are invited to surrender their driver’s licenses and instead obtain an ID card, which functions nearly the same for purposes of identifying a resident in Florida.
Similarly, anyone who has concerns over another person’s mental or physical ability to drive can fill out a “Medical Referral Form” with the state, which can be found here.