Referring an at-risk older driver for licensing review

Licensing agencies in all states accept reevaluation referrals for drivers of any age. Each state has a process for reporting a potentially unsafe driver to its licensing office or department of motor vehicles. Law enforcement officers and physicians represent the majority of those submitting reports, but concerned family members and citizens can also submit reports.

Law enforcement officers observe drivers directly during traffic contacts or at crash scenes. With appropriate training, they can identify drivers who may need to be referred to the licensing agency for assessment.

States can improve driver referrals by providing appropriate training and information to law enforcement during training sessions, roll calls, and issuing reminder messages throughout the year.