Too old to drive

[d.davis]

Mom is 88 and only drives during daylight. Mostly grocery runs around noon. Recognizes night vision is a problem so won't drive after dark. Knows her limitations.
Dad will be 90 this year and his driving is perfect. He's a former vietnam veteran dustoff pilot, instrument rated, so his 'scan' has him at an advantage. He's 15 seconds ahead of the cars in front of him. And he's a leadfoot - as if his time on earth is limited... We recently alternated driving on a 22hr nonstop to his brother's funeral and he only got pulled over once for speeding - but only a warning with his purple heart plates.
All of you know wether you should still be driving. Be honest. There is uber now and in 10 years you'll own a fully automated grocery getter.

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[Teacher Terry]

In my state if you fail the vision test but your eye doctor says your vision is fine that supersedes the vision test. I would find out what the rules are. If they have the final say then go to a different office. It’s one thing to quit driving because it’s wise but your case is not that situation. Sorry you are experiencing this.,

 

[Scuba]

So sorry, W2R. It sounds as though you’ve resigned yourself to this decision. You may find that you actually enjoy not having to drive, but if you miss it, you could try again at a different DMV office at a later date and see how it goes. Best wishes.

 

[Telly]

Well W2R, I agree with the folks that say you should not give up.

Frank may be the greatest guy in the world, and drive you wherever you want to go. But next month, maybe something will happen to Frank, and he will be unable to. And he may need you to drive him. Maybe he will be unable to drive ever again. Can never say never.

I wouldn't want to depend only on Uber or whatever, unless there was absolutely no other choice. With your own car, no matter what the Uber load and availability situation is, you have wheels of your own.

As long as you have the skills, keep them up and going. They may be needed unexpectedly!

DMV Test personal experience - A few years ago, the "Gold Star" licenses would shortly be required for air travel. Neither DW or I had it. Our renewals were further out in time. Everyone was scrambling to try to get their license updated with the new pic, and taking vision test was part of it.

We went online and scheduled tests for each a week out, at a big DMV center. Got there, place was packed. Appointment people had a different path. We were both called, to separate stations at a long counter. I looked into my viewer, and started to panic. I had trouble seeing clearly, mainly one side. The slightest head movement, the display disappeared. I struggled to get to see both displays at the same time, one for each eye, and it was pretty poor at best positioning. Tried to make a go of it, and did (probably just barely!). I knew my eyes were good, but wasn't going to say anything to the person (yeah, I feel bad about that, but with the DMV people, mum's the word, don't be the nail that sticks out!).

As we walked out into the parking lot, I told DW what happened. Was surprised when she had the same experience in her viewer!

So your mission, W2R, if you choose to accept it, is to take a break till after the 4th, and get back on it! Don't let other people or poor equipment or conditions stifle you! Good Luck on your mission, W2R!

This text will self-destruct in 5 seconds..... pffFFTTT!

 

[me228]

W2R according to this page https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/personal-driver-s-licenses/medical-vision-requirements/ The vision section provides medical information regarding visual acuity as reported by either an Optometrist (Vision Specialist) or an Ophthalmologist. The vision examination portion of the form must be completed in its entirety and must address the acuities in the left eye, right eye and both eyes. The form must be returned within 30 days from the DATE ISSUED. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of driving privileges. The form is considered valid only if the date of the physician's signature has not exceeded 60 days. So according to this you have met the requirements. You just need to get them to fill in this form

 

[Car-Guy]

After thinking about this I'm not sure I'd say you (or anyone) is "too old to drive". It depends. While age can become a contributing factor to someones ability to drive safely, there are plenty of 90+ year olds that can drive just fine. OTOH, there are plenty of 16 year olds, that shouldn't be driving.


IMO, if you still feel comfortable driving and an eye doctor is willing to sign-off that you see well enough, I'd go for it.

 

[wdwwildbill]

W2R, go to a different office. Maybe one of the non dmv offices. There is one in Metairie and other places. I am younger than you and had same issues. The machine we use here just plain don't work !! If eye dr says you are good to go, then that should be enough for them to pass you. I would do so you can drive if you want and may need to one day. We need more safe drivers on the road !!!

 

[EastWest Gal]

I have friends, a couple, who routinely drive from central PA to Chicago to visit their son. They are both 83. On the other hand, I take an 82 year old to and from band practice each week. He lost his license a few years ago, but then was able to regain it through a remedial program. I wish he hadn't regained it, because he keeps offering to drive me to band practice! He has had hip replacements and still has mobility problems, and is becoming increasingly forgetful. I can't imagine letting him drive on a major trucking route, at night, much less having me as his passenger!

 

[misanman]

My DB still drives his Corvette (or his MG-TD, or his Jeep) at age 92. He did give up flying his RV8 a few years ago.

 

[folivier]

Let me speak from the other side of the fence. As a kid I was tasked with riding with my grandpaw when he went to town. I was terrified as he bounced from curb to curb. He shouldn't have been driving. A few years ago I followed my dad as he was driving and could tell he shouldn't be driving. If you think you're ready to stop driving either because of the DMV or your own decision it might be the right decision. Thankfully you have Frank. But think of what could happen if you don't see that child chasing after the ball.
Hopefully when it's my time I'll accept it as gracefully as you. Probably not though.

 

[MarieIG]

I am not a fan of our local DMVs.

 

[djsander]

I had lasik done years ago. It was mono vision with the dominant eye for far and other eye for reading. The opthamolist said that my vision would pass the dmv test. So went to license renewal and I no longer have glasses. They put me in the machine that you press your head into and read the letters from left to right. I couldn’t read the letters on the right hand side. Which indicated the machine is set for far vision. The person asked if I had trouble with my eyes. I said no I had lasik and explained. They did it again and still couldn’t read the right side. They passed me then coded my license loss of vision right eye! I just laughed and went on. Moved out of state and dmv had no issues with the eye test and wondered why my liscense was coded the way it was.

 

[Sarah S]

I am sorry it sounds frustrating. Now you have had time to calm down though I encourage you to consider getting your license through the eye doctor procedure whether you plan to drive or not. You never know what the future holds.
Jumping through hoops is annoying but please consider doing this for yourself


I do not own a car and have not driven in 18 months. I don’t want to even though I believe I can but I just renewed my license yesterday just in case. BTW I think the trick to the machine is keeping your forehead pressed against the machine. At least that was the case with the machine I had yesterday. Does your state have any non RMV centers? Here we can go to AAA. I am pretty sure they could do the eye doctor exemption there too because I heard the person before me talking about her eye doctor letter and also heard them say here is your temporary license

 

[gromit]

OK, I'm just joking, but to make lemonade out of the lemons of being the passenger, you could tell Frank that you'll be riding in the backseat and Amazon will be delivering his chauffeur's hat to his address. That even makes for a good post in the Amazon thread.
I don't suggest you running out to buy a large luxury car or old limo. Wait until he's used to wearing the hat first.

 

[pacergal]

W2R--I am sorry you experienced this.
If your mind is made up, and you truly do not want to drive anymore, you are so blessed to have Frank be there for you.
However, at 72, you are still at an age to be OK driving. If your eye drs. x2 verified you can drive, with or without corrective lenses, then you could still be driving if you want to. I would go back and challenge the tests again, perhaps at a different office or use the machine instead of the chart.
As Telly mentioned, there may be times when Frank is unable to drive and you will want too.

Best wishes for whatever you choose.

 

[mystang52]

I'm not there, yet(?) but I can identify. My driving skills have deteriorated so I drive slower, now. This is especially the case when I'm in a new/strange area. I was never a big drinker, so after a dinner out I usually felt comfortable to drive after my whopping one drink. No more; DW always drives if I have a drink. Similarly, more often than not DW now drives if it's after 8 PM. I'll soon be 71, I hope things don't degrade further in a few years, but I too have that Uber app.

 

[W2R]

W2R according to this page https://www.expresslane.org/drivers/personal-driver-s-licenses/medical-vision-requirements/ The vision section provides medical information regarding visual acuity as reported by either an Optometrist (Vision Specialist) or an Ophthalmologist. The vision examination portion of the form must be completed in its entirety and must address the acuities in the left eye, right eye and both eyes. The form must be returned within 30 days from the DATE ISSUED. Failure to comply will result in the suspension of driving privileges. The form is considered valid only if the date of the physician's signature has not exceeded 60 days. So according to this you have met the requirements. You just need to get them to fill in this form

That's probably the official form the OMV gave me for my optometrist to fill out. It had all the information you listed, so it sounds like I already followed your directions. At my age I am not permitted to renew my DL online, but have to do it in person. I did so within the time limitation you mention, and submitted the filled in form in person. You heard the results.

 

[W2R]

Hopefully when it's my time I'll accept it as gracefully as you. Probably not though.

Thank you! I feel about as graceful as Godzilla about this right now, though.

 

[W2R]

Thanks, everybody, for all the kind and encouraging posts. Right now I am too upset to deal with it so that is why I'm not answering most of them, but they are truly appreciated. My plan is to wait a few weeks, get Frank to read your posts and see what he thinks, and then (maybe?) try again. Or not.

 

[ivinsfan]

That's probably the form my ophthalmologist filled out, which had all the information you listed, so I already followed your directions. At my age I am not permitted to renew my DL online, but have to do it in person. I did so within the time limitation you mention, and submitted the filled in form in person. You heard the results.

This is the confusing part.since you were certified by two professionals as fit to drive why did they even make you take their boilerplate eye tests.What the H##l weight did they give to actual doctors opinion? No wonder you are ticked off and upset, I'd probably have steam coming out of my ears. Presumably they sent you to the eye doctor to get a professional opinion which was worth nothing to them. Why did you even have to retake the eye test what did they think would change?


I just saw your post, when you feel less upset can you go to the DMv site and see what they say about DR certification.

 

[Dtail]

Thanks, everybody, for all the kind and encouraging posts. Right now I am too upset to deal with it so that is why I'm not answering most of them, but they are truly appreciated. My plan is to wait a few weeks, get Frank to read your posts and see what he thinks, and then (maybe?) try again. Or not.

Sounds like a plan. Try to give it a shot again in a few weeks. Will probably make you very happy.

 

[W2R]

This is the confusing part.since you were certified by two professionals as fit to drive why did they even make you take their boilerplate eye tests.What the H##l weight did they give to actual doctors opinion? No wonder you are ticked off and upset, I'd probably have steam coming out of my ears. Presumably they sent you to the eye doctor to get a professional opinion which was worth nothing to them. Why did you even have to retake the eye test what did they think would change?


I just saw your post, when you feel less upset can you go to the DMv site and see what they say about DR certification.

I think I'll probably take your advice (especially the part about waiting for a week that you mentioned in your earlier post). Yes, it's upsetting, and especially so since the doctor appts and glasses added up to over $300 and then I still didn't get the license renewal. What a sucker punch.

 

[Time2]

After thinking about this I'm not sure I'd say you (or anyone) is "too old to drive". It depends. While age can become a contributing factor to someones ability to drive safely, there are plenty of 90+ year olds that can drive just fine. OTOH, there are plenty of 16 year olds, that shouldn't be driving.


IMO, if you still feel comfortable driving and an eye doctor is willing to sign-off that you see well enough, I'd go for it.

I have a weekly breakfast with the guys, one who is 97yrs old and still drives out to get all of his meals, because he is unable to cook and do dishes! After our breakfast one of us needs to walk him to his car, as he has trouble walking. He is always first to the restaurant, so we are not sure how he gets inside to sit. We are aware he should not be driving, but he would not last long without that little freedom he has. We are watching on a weekly basis as he is going downhill over the last 6 months. He has said he wanted to make it to 100yrs old to get the letter from the president, I don't believe he will make it. His mind is just as sharp as ever, but his body is failing. He has no real health issues, his body is just running down.
btw, his girlfriend lives next door, the doors are no farther that 60ft, but he drives over.

 

[Out of Steam]

I kind of agree with the posters who say go to a different office with different machines or charts. It seems strange that 2 docs said you were fine to drive and you couldn't pass the exam. I bet it was really stressful for you which didn't help...

My father seemed to have an issue with the machines they use for eye testing at the DMV. He had to go to the optometrist for an eye test to renew his license by the time I started driving, and continued to have to do it. He would have been in his mid-50s then.

It may have been a hearing difficulty when he couldn't look at the clerk, though.

 

[ImaCheesehead]

The issue with the black screen on the eye chart machine seems more common than I would have guessed. A year and a half ago, at age 60, I changed domicile to FL and had to take a vision test for a license. Although I wear bifocal glasses for crisper distance vision and seeing up close I wanted to pass the test without them. I couldn’t see the letters due to a black screen and the clerk said it happens and had me move around a bit til I could see. Not sure if she did anything on her side though. I did pass without the glasses.

You can still stop driving if it pleases you, but I would go back and get the license so that you can drive if/when needed.