Who can report an unsafe elderly driver and where to report them
You cannot directly remove someone's license yourself, but you can report safety concerns to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or to law enforcement. The person who reports does not have to be a family member — doctors, social workers, concerned neighbors, and other drivers can all file a report. The DMV will then investigate and may require the driver to take a medical exam, a road test, or both.
Start by contacting your state DMV's medical review unit or driver safety program. Most states have a specific department or hotline for reporting unsafe drivers. You can also report to local police if you witness dangerous driving, though a police report alone does not automatically suspend a license — it creates a record that the DMV may review. Some states also allow reports through their online portal; others require a phone call or written form.
The report should include the driver's name, license number (if you have it), address, and specific examples of unsafe behavior — such as getting lost in familiar places, hitting parked cars, running red lights, or near-miss collisions. Vague concerns like "they seem too old to drive" carry less weight than concrete incidents. The more detail you provide, the more seriously the DMV will investigate.
Key Takeaways
- You report unsafe driving to your state DMV's medical review unit, not directly to law enforcement, though police reports can support your concern.
- The DMV will typically order a medical exam, a road test, or both before deciding whether to suspend or revoke the license.
- Specific examples of unsafe behavior — getting lost, hitting objects, running lights — matter far more than age alone.
- The driver will be notified that a report was filed and will have a chance to respond or take a retest before any suspension takes effect.
- If the driver fails the medical exam or road test, the DMV will suspend or revoke their license, and they can appeal the decision.
What happens after you file a report
Once the DMV receives a report, a staff member reviews it to decide whether there is enough cause to move forward. If the report is vague or lacks detail, the DMV may close it without action. If the report describes specific unsafe incidents, the DMV will contact the driver and schedule an evaluation.
The driver will be notified in writing that a concern has been raised and that they must complete a medical exam, a driving test, or both within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days depending on the state. The driver has the right to know who reported them in some states and to remain anonymous in others; this varies by state law. The driver also has the right to choose their own physician for the medical exam in many states, though the DMV may require the exam to use a specific form or cover specific topics.
The medical exam typically covers vision, hearing, cognitive function, and medication review. A road test is conducted by a DMV examiner and assesses steering, braking, lane control, and decision-making in real traffic. If the driver passes both, their license remains valid and the case closes. If they fail either one, the DMV will suspend or revoke the license.
Medical exams and road tests: what they assess
A medical evaluation ordered by the DMV is not the same as a routine doctor visit. The physician uses a standardized form provided by the DMV and focuses on conditions that directly affect driving safety. Vision must meet minimum standards (usually 20/40 corrected in at least one eye). Hearing is tested because it affects awareness of sirens and horns. Cognitive screening checks for memory loss, confusion, and judgment problems — often using brief tests like drawing a clock or repeating a sequence of numbers.
The physician also reviews all medications the driver is taking. Sedatives, pain relievers, blood pressure drugs, and other medications can impair reaction time or cause dizziness. If the doctor finds that medications are unsafe for driving, they may recommend a dose change, a different drug, or temporary suspension until the driver adjusts. The doctor then submits a report to the DMV stating whether the driver is medically safe to drive.
A road test for an older driver suspected of unsafe driving is more thorough than a standard license renewal test. The examiner watches for hesitation, confusion about traffic rules, slow reaction time, difficulty with turns or parking, and awareness of other vehicles. The test usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving. If the driver fails, they receive a written explanation of which skills were unsafe and may request a retest after a waiting period.
When a license is suspended or revoked
If the driver fails the medical exam or road test, the DMV will issue a suspension or revocation. A suspension is temporary — the driver can retest after a set period, usually 6 months to a year. A revocation is permanent or long-term and typically requires a formal appeal or a new medical evaluation after several years to restore driving privileges.
The driver will receive written notice of the suspension or revocation, including the reason, the effective date, and instructions for appeal. In most states, the driver can request a hearing before an administrative judge to challenge the decision. At the hearing, the driver can present their own medical evidence, argue that the test was unfair, or show that they have made changes (such as limiting driving to daytime or familiar routes) that address the safety concern.
Once a license is suspended or revoked, the driver cannot legally operate a vehicle. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in most states and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. The driver's insurance will also be notified and may cancel coverage.
State-by-state differences in reporting and testing
The process for reporting an unsafe driver and the standards for medical exams vary significantly by state. Some states have a dedicated "medical review" program with trained staff who specialize in aging drivers; others handle reports through their general driver safety division. Some states allow anonymous reports; others require the reporter's name and contact information. A few states, including California and New York, have formal programs specifically for older drivers that include voluntary testing and counseling.
The medical exam form itself differs by state. Some states use a straightforward checklist; others use a detailed neuropsychological assessment. Vision and hearing standards also vary — some states require 20/40 vision, others 20/60. Reaction time testing is standard in some states and not used in others. Road test length and complexity vary as well.
Before you report, contact your state DMV and ask about the specific process, the form you need to submit, and whether reports are confidential. This information is usually available on the DMV website or by phone. Knowing your state's rules will help you file a complete report that the DMV can act on quickly.
What to do if the driver refuses to be tested
If the DMV orders a medical exam or road test and the driver refuses to complete it, the DMV will typically suspend the license automatically. The driver cannot straightforward ignore the order — failure to comply is treated as a failed evaluation. The suspension remains in effect until the driver completes the required testing.
In some states, a driver who refuses testing can request a hearing to argue that the order was unfair or that they have a medical reason for not completing it. However, most states do not allow a driver to avoid testing by refusing; the refusal itself triggers suspension. The driver's only path forward is to complete the exam or test and pass it.
If you are concerned that an elderly driver will refuse testing or will hide a medical condition during testing, you can include this concern in your initial report to the DMV. The DMV may then conduct a more thorough investigation or require the driver to be tested by a state-appointed physician rather than one of their choice.
Alternatives to license suspension
Not every unsafe elderly driver needs to lose their license entirely. Some states and some DMV examiners allow restricted licenses — for example, a license valid only for daytime driving, only within a certain distance of home, or only on familiar routes. A restricted license is an option if the driver passes some parts of the evaluation but fails others, or if the driver has a medical condition that is manageable with limitations.
Before a license is suspended, you might also suggest that the driver take a defensive driving course, have a medical evaluation on their own initiative, or work with a driving rehabilitation specialist. A driving rehab specialist is an occupational therapist trained to assess older drivers and recommend adaptations — such as hand controls, mirrors, or seat cushions — that can make driving safer. Some insurance companies offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course, which can also motivate an older driver to take action voluntarily.
If the driver is unwilling or unable to drive safely, you may need to help them explore other transportation options: public transit, ride-sharing services, volunteer driver programs, or family support. These conversations are difficult, but they are often more effective than a formal report if the goal is to keep the driver and others safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the elderly driver know I reported them?
This depends on your state. Some states keep the reporter's identity confidential; others require the DMV to disclose it if the driver requests a hearing. A few states allow anonymous reports but may limit how the DMV can investigate without knowing who reported the concern. Contact your state DMV before reporting if confidentiality is important to you.
What if the driver passes the test but I still think they are unsafe?
You can file another report if you witness new unsafe incidents. A single report that results in a passing test does not prevent future reports. However, filing multiple reports without new evidence of unsafe driving may be viewed as harassment. Document specific incidents — dates, times, locations, and what happened — before filing a second report.
Can a family member force an elderly relative to take a driving test?
No, but a family member can report the driver to the DMV, which will then order the test. A family member cannot legally force someone to take a test on their own. If the driver refuses the DMV's order, the DMV will suspend the license. If you are a legal guardian or have power of attorney, you may have additional options; consult an elder law attorney.
How long does the whole process take from report to suspension?
This varies by state and by how quickly the driver completes the required testing. Typically, the DMV will contact the driver within two to four weeks of receiving a report. The driver then has 30 to 60 days to complete the medical exam and road test. If they fail, suspension takes effect when ready or within a few days. The entire process can take two to four months.
What happens if an elderly driver with a suspended license continues to drive?
Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense. The driver can be arrested, fined, and jailed. Their insurance will be notified and may cancel coverage. If they cause an accident while driving on a suspended license, they may face additional criminal charges and civil liability. If you know someone is driving on a suspended license, you can report it to local police.