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Author: Kay Jurica

At Home Helpers, we have several senior clients who have retired from driving for their safety and the safety of others on the road. Conversely, we have elderly clients who refuse to give up their car keys because they think it will mark the end of their autonomy and independence, which isn’t necessarily true.

December is Older Driver Safety Month, so reviewing older driver requirements in Illinois is important to protect everyone’s safety on our roadways.

Illinois has implemented some special requirements and restrictions for senior drivers to ensure older drivers’ safety. Specifically, Illinois:

• requires drivers ages 75 and older to renew their licenses in person
• requires both a vision test and road test for drivers ages 75 and older renewing in person
• requires drivers ages 81 through 86 to renew their license every two years, and those 87 and older to renew annually, and
• accepts requests from physicians and members of law enforcement or the judicial system to conduct an unsafe driver investigation.

The Illinois Secretary of State operates the Super Seniors Program, a voluntary mobile program that goes to libraries, senior centers, and park districts and helps seniors ages 74 and under renew their licenses by giving both Rules of the Road classroom instruction and a vision-screening exam.

• Vision test: Required at renewal. Licensing personnel will conduct a test free, or drivers can have an exam performed by a licensed optometrist, ophthalmologist, or physician, who must complete a Vision Specialist Report and conduct the exam within six months of the renewal request
• Written test: Required at every renewal for drivers ages 75 and older
• Road test: Required at every renewal for drivers ages 75 and older

Possible License Restrictions

The Secretary of State can place restrictions or conditions on a person's driver's license after administering a driving test and discussing possible restrictions with him or her.

The most common restriction for older drivers is requiring glasses or corrective contact lenses.

Illinois residents who live in areas with low populations may also apply for a restricted license authorizing them to drive only within limited areas.

Illinois Driver Improvement Programs

Illinois residents can improve their skills and confidence by taking an education and training class specifically developed for older drivers. Local course offerings are called Rules of the Road Review Courses.

How to Get Parking Placards or License Plates for a Driver with a Disability

Parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers who have impaired mobility if a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician's assistant certifies the condition.

The placards and plates are also available for those who have:

• severe heart or lung disease
• a diagnosed disease or disorder that significantly limits the use of lower extremities
• the need to use portable oxygen
• limited ability to walk without assistance or resting, or
• the loss, or loss of use of a hand or an arm.

To obtain a disabled placard or plate:

• Complete and sign a form titled Persons with Disabilities Certification for Parking Placard/License Plates.
• Have a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, optometrist, or physician's assistant complete the Medical Eligibility Standards portion of the certification.
• Include a fee of $29 for a disability plate (placards are free).
• Mail the original application to the address on the form.

The compassionate, professional caregivers at Home Helpers are skillfully trained to provide exceptional senior care for aging adults in the Kankakee area, including safe transportation assistance for seniors who have retired from driving, have disabilities, or are under driving restrictions.

I gladly offer a FREE Assessment to discuss specific needs and review our home care services, so I can prepare a personalized care plan for you or a senior you love to improve overall quality of life, preserve senior independence, and make life easier.

Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238

Source:

NOLO