License Renewal for Seniors in North Carolina, Whereas most of the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regulations apply to drivers of all ages and stages, some special requirements and restrictions relate especially to older drivers.
North Carolina state rules are explained in more detail below, but a number of them focus on identifying and handling older drivers who may have become unsafe. Specifically, North Carolina:
- requires drivers age 66 and older to renew their licenses in person, and
- accepts petitions from family members and others for the DMV to investigate unsafe drivers.
License Renewal Laws for Older Drivers in North Carolina
Drivers age 66 and older have special rules at the time of license renewal.
Time limits: Drivers age 66 and older must renew in person every five years; those 18 to 65 must renew every eight years.
Vision test: Required at in-person renewal. DMV personnel will conduct a test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by an outside ophthalmologist or optometrist, who must complete a Certificate of Examination by Vision Specialist form.
Traffic sign test: No longer required at in-person renewal.
Road test: Required only if there are signs of a disability or impairment indicating diminished faculties and based on a report from a law enforcement officer, physician, or a family member.
Possible License Restrictions
DMV may impose restrictions or conditions on a driver’s license after giving him or her a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with them.
In North Carolina, the most frequent restriction on older drivers is to require that they wear glasses or corrective contact lenses, but other conditions may be available for safe driving, such as:
- only during daylight
- no more than 45 mph
- no interstates
- restricted within a small radius of home, and
- only when accompanied by another licensed driver.
Vehicle Tinted Window Waiver
The DMV would issue a waiver to car owners with medical conditions that necessitate protection from the sun or bright artificial light. A physician’s statement is required, and with this waiver, a person can place window tinting films or applications onto a car that exceed the regulations.
An individual suffering from the medical condition will be required to complete sections of the Tinted Window Waiver Application Form, have the remaining sections completed by a physician, and submit it to the Medical Unit of the DMV.
How to Get an Unsafe Driver Investigation in North Carolina
The North Carolina DMV will take information from other DMVs, family members, doctors, law enforcement officers, and anyone else with knowledge.
Those who desire to have a driver examined must first fill out a Medical Request for Driver Re-Examination and return it to the Medical Evaluation Program address shown on the form.
Anonymous or unsigned requests will not be processed—and “advanced age” alone will not be considered a valid reason for re-examination.
The application by a doctor shall be considered by the staff of the Medical Unit, which shall determine whether a license of any one doctor should be suspended or withdrawn. In some cases, a doctor would have to reassess a patient and present a comprehensive Medical Report Form.
License Reinstatement Process
To learn how to reinstate a suspended or revoked North Carolina license, contact one of the DMV offices across the state.
How to Obtain Parking Placards or License Plates for a Disabled Driver
Disabled driver parking placards and license plates may be issued to those drivers who qualify as disabled if a licensed physician certifies the condition
These placards and plates are available to those who:
- cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
- cannot walk without aid from another person or an assistive device such as a cane or walker
- have severe lung disease
- use portable oxygen
- have a severe cardiac condition
- are severely limited in the ability to walk because of an arthritic, neurological or orthopedic condition, or
- are blind or have severely limited eyesight as certified by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or the Division of Services for the Blind.
To obtain a disabled placard:
- Application for Disability Parking Placard, Fill out and sign the application.
- A licensed physician must complete the Physician’s Section of the form.
- Attach a fee of $5 per placard, up to two.
- Mail the original application to the address listed on the form.
- Five years from date of issuance. Disability Plate
Application for Disability License Plate:
- Fill out and sign an Application of Disability License Plate.
- A licensed physician must complete the Physician’s Section of the form.
- Include a fee of $36.
- Mail the original application to the address on the form.
- Must be renewed annually by sticker.
For a summary of requirements, see the DMV’s page on Frequently Asked Questions about North Carolina parking placards and plates.
