A new bill in Michigan could change how older drivers maintain their licenses.
Senate Bill 847, introduced by State Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), would require drivers aged 75 to 84 to pass vision, written and driving tests every four years. Drivers 85 and older would need to complete the same tests annually.
The legislation is still in its early stages and has not yet been debated in committee.
Under current law, Michigan drivers can generally renew their licenses every four years without additional testing if they maintain a clean driving record. That means older adults could continue driving into their 80s without any formal check on their vision, knowledge or driving skills.
Supporters of the bill argue that new testing requirements could help prevent accidents and improve overall road safety. The legislation was partly inspired by a fatal 2024 crash in Wixom, Michigan, where a 94-year-old struck a car stopped in traffic and after the initial collision, accidentally ran over the pedestrian who had exited the vehicle.
The measure is also driven by Christopher Thexton, whose wife was the one killed in the accident.
“It seemed like a kind of hole in the system that older drivers were allowed to kind of drive unchecked,” Thexton said in an interview with CBS Detroit, later describing the crash as a “completely preventable tragedy.”
Statistics show that while older drivers are not responsible for most accidents, risk factors do change with age. In 2024, drivers aged 65 and older made up roughly 26% of licensed drivers in Michigan and were involved in nearly 19% of fatal crashes. Safety research indicates that crash severity and the likelihood of fatal outcomes increase for drivers over 75, even as total accident numbers remain lower than younger age groups. Supporters of Bill 847 argue that periodic testing could identify safety issues before they lead to serious accidents.
The bill has also faced criticism. The American Association of Retired People (AARP) Michigan has expressed concern that the legislation unfairly targets drivers based solely on age rather than individual ability.
“Michigan should focus on individualized, evidence-based approaches—rather than policies that restrict independence and discriminate against older residents,” said Jason Lachowski, Associate State Director for AARP Michigan.
Reactions to the proposal on campus were mixed.
One student, Maryam Nakooj, said she supports the idea of more frequent testing for older drivers.
“I think driving tests should be retaken every 10 years or so,” said Nakooj. “Road laws are constantly changing and drivers can become too comfortable over time, which may increase the risk of accidents. I think that’s something to consider especially with older drivers, and it could help make roads safer overall.”
Dr. Graham Cassano, a sociology professor at Oakland University, said the issue is more complex when considering its social impact.
“Retesting elderly drivers for competence will, unfortunately, have an impact upon their independence,” he said.
He pointed out that many people in Michigan rely heavily on their vehicles, adding that “many elderly Michiganders have fixed incomes,” which can make alternatives like ride services difficult to afford.
Dr. Cassano said the issue is not only about safety but also fairness. “For such testing to be ‘fair,’ we need the necessary support for our aging population,” he said, noting that those supports, including more accessible public transportation, are not always available.
If senate Bill 847 becomes law, Michigan would join a small number of states with stricter licensing rules for elderly drivers. For now, the legislation remains a proposal, and lawmakers are expected to review expert testimony, public input and safety data before deciding whether to advance the bill or not.
While the debate continues, questions remain about how to balance public safety while preserving independence for older adults. Michigan’s decision could shape how other states approach similar issues.