Articles circulating around the internet about new senior drivers licensing regulations prove that not everything that poses as news is real news.
Recent articles state a new federal rule from the United States Department of Transportation requires drivers over the age of 70 to undergo eye exams, cognitive tests and road tests to maintain a driver’s license. The articles claim drivers 70 to 80 will have to renew their driver’s license every four years; ages 81 to 86 must renew every two years; and drivers 87-years of age and older must renew yearly with a mandatory road test.
The articles began circulating on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in June. They claimed the new rule was to take effect July 1.
Recently updated versions state the effective date is August 1. “I’m seeing this is a rumor and there’s been no federal law that’s requiring drivers to do what this post says,” stated Sgt. Ethan Sartor, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman.
A search of Snopes, a website dedicated to fact-checking and debunking misinformation, also confirmed.
According to Snopes, the articles are likely generated by artificial-intelligence and clickbait.
“Snopes ran both stories through artificial-intelligence (AI) content detectors, which confirmed both were likely the products of AI software,” Snopes said. “In short, the claim appears to be made up for the purpose of gaining clicks or views online.”
Each state has their own regulations in place for senior drivers. Some states do require mandatory evaluations based on age as a part of their renewal process.
Texas requires drivers 79 and older to renew their license in person and submit to a vision screening.
Texas does not require all senior drivers to submit to cognitive or road tests.
Texas drivers ages 79 to 84 receive an eight-year license. Those ages 85 and older receive a two-year license.
The following statement is from the TxDPS website regarding senior drivers.
“The Department of Public Safety prioritizes the safety of all drivers on the road, regardless of age. Our responsibility is to ensure that all licensed individuals possess the necessary physical and mental capabilities to operate a motor vehicle safely and follow traffic laws … There are not any mandatory driving tests based solely on age. However, if there’s a concern about your driving ability, a skills evaluation or additional medical information from your doctor may be requested.”
For more information about Texas licensing regulations, visit the TxDPS website at dps.texas.gov.
