Texas Driving Laws for Seniors (2024)
What are the Texas senior citizen driving rules? We'll how to keep your senior citizen car insurance rates in Texas at or below the annual average of $1,245. Affordable senior citizen car insurance in Texas is not out of reach.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
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UPDATED: Feb 29, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 29, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Drivers between the ages of 79 and 84 must renew their licenses in person once every six years.
- Drivers 85 and above must renew in person every two years.
- Drivers 79 and above must take a vision test and medical evaluation when renewing their licenses.
What are the Texas senior citizen driving rules and regulations? We understand that auto insurance can be a bit confusing and that the Texas DMV occasionally does things differently. We’ve included a step-by-step review to help, including information about Texas auto insurance and Texas driving laws For seniors.
If you are ready to buy senior citizen car insurance in Texas, find the right insurer by typing your ZIP code into our helpful tool above and find senior citizen car insurance quotes in Texas near you.
Texas Elderly Drivers License Renewal
The senior citizen drivers license renewal process in Texas has a few caveats. What are the Texas drivers license renewal requirements for senior citizens? Let’s take a look at the following table:
| Driver Age | Renewal Period | Renewal Options | Testing Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 78 and under | Every 12 years | Online By phone By mail In person | N/A |
| Ages 79 to 84 | Every six years | In person | Vision test required; knowledge and/or road test at DMV discretion |
| Age 85 and over | Every two years | In person | Vision test required; knowledge and/or road test at DMV discretion |
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, drivers aged 79 or older are required to renew their driver license in-person. This age limit also applies for older drivers of motor homes in Texas.
Are senior citizens required to test to renew drivers licenses in Texas? Older drivers in Texas must submit to an eye exam; a specialist will evaluate their responses to determine if any additional testing is needed.
Applicants must have 20/70 vision with correction or 20/40 without correction. Those with vision below those levels must be examined by an outside vision specialist.
The Texas Department of Public Safety may also deem a knowledge test or road test necessary.
Furthermore, they can impose daytime-only driving, no freeway driving, driving only when another driver who is aged 21 and above is in the front seat, hearing aids while driving, and a requirement not to exceed 45 miles per hour.
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How to Get a Texas License as an Older Drivers
The introduction of the Real ID has had a significant impact on United States driving laws. This is, unfortunately, proving to be a problem for many seniors in the state of Texas. Let’s take a look at a news report further explaining this issue.
A number of older drivers in Texas do not have birth certificates. The problem is prevalent enough that the Texas DMV has begun walking senior drivers through the process of obtaining the Real ID.
Another issue is epilepsy, a fairly common condition amongst senior citizens. The Texas DMV states that epilepsy (and similar medical conditions) will not disallow an individual from driving.
However, the driver must be under a doctor’s care at that time and must not have had a seizure in a period of three months prior to the license application.
These are factors that could allow insurers to see you as more of a risk. However, with proper precautions, you could be paying the average annual rates of $1,245 or less that seniors tend to enjoy. The following link helps to further answer the question, “What is the minimum requirement for auto insurance in Texas?”
Before moving on to some FAQs, learn more about five buying auto insurance tips for seniors. Furthermore, type your ZIP code into our free tool below to find the best Texas auto insurance for older drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific driving laws in Texas that apply to senior drivers?
Yes, Texas has certain driving laws that are specific to senior drivers. These laws aim to ensure road safety for both senior drivers and other road users.
At what age do Texas driving laws begin to affect senior drivers?
In Texas, there are no specific age-related restrictions or requirements for senior drivers. All drivers, regardless of age, must adhere to the same traffic laws and regulations.
Are there any additional requirements for senior drivers to renew their driver’s licenses in Texas?
Yes, senior drivers (ages 79 and older) in Texas are required to renew their driver’s licenses in person and undergo a vision test at each renewal.
Do senior drivers in Texas need to take a written or driving test to renew their licenses?
Texas does not have a mandatory written or driving test for senior drivers during the license renewal process. However, a license examiner may request a driving test if there are concerns about a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Can a family member or medical professional report concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely in Texas?
Yes, family members, medical professionals, or concerned individuals can report their concerns about a senior driver’s ability to drive safely to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The department may review the report and conduct an investigation if necessary.
Are there any restrictions on nighttime driving for senior drivers in Texas?
Texas does not impose specific restrictions on nighttime driving for senior drivers. However, it is generally advised for all drivers, including seniors, to exercise caution when driving at night due to decreased visibility.
Do senior drivers in Texas receive any auto insurance discounts?
Texas law does not mandate specific auto insurance discounts for senior drivers. However, many insurance companies offer discounts for completing defensive driving courses or for safe driving records, which may benefit seniors as well.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.