Michigan Lawmaker Proposes Mandatory Driving Tests for Seniors 75 and Older

New Bill Would Require Vision, Written, and Driving Tests Every Four Years

By West Michigan State News | Updated April 1, 2026

A Lansing lawmaker is proposing significant changes to Michigan's driver licensing laws, requiring mandatory tests for seniors 75 and older. Under the new bill introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), drivers turning 75 would need to pass vision tests, written tests, and practical driving tests every four years, with annual testing required after age 85.

The Proposal

The bill comes amid growing concerns about traffic safety involving older drivers. Currently, Michigan requires no retakes for license renewals as long as drivers maintain a good driving record, regardless of age. Sen. Bayer's measure would change that policy.

What the bill requires:

• Every four years for drivers 75 and older: vision test, written test, and driving test
• Every year for drivers 85 and older: all three tests

The Push for Change

The legislation gained momentum after Christopher Thexton lost his wife in October 2024. Thexton was rear-ended by a driver, and when he went to check the damage, his wife was struck and killed by a 94-year-old driver.

"This was a completely preventable tragedy," Thexton told CBS Detroit.

Thexton had been pressing Sen. Bayer to act on the issue and expressed support for the new legislation. "I applaud them," Thexton said. "It's a good and logical thing to do."

The Statistics Behind the Numbers

Data shows older drivers are increasingly involved in Michigan crashes. In 2024, 26 percent of Michigan drivers were 65 or older. Those drivers represented just over 59,000 crashes, or 20 percent of all crashes statewide.

The numbers have grown significantly over time:

• A 22 percent increase in crashes involving drivers 65 and older since 2015
• A 71 percent jump in fatal crashes involving those same age group over the same period

AARP Michigan Responds

AARP Michigan has weighed in on the proposed legislation. The organization has historically supported requiring regular vision and written tests for older drivers but has pushed back on requiring driving tests.

AARP Michigan has recommended that the driving test requirement be optional, allowing older drivers to choose whether to take it. The group has also suggested that the tests be administered by the state rather than requiring drivers to find private testing facilities.

Illinois Has Similar Law

Illinois is currently the only state to have a law like Sen. Bayer's bill on the books. That state recently loosened its requirements, which had mandated annual tests for drivers 75 and older. The Michigan proposal would be less burdensome than Illinois's previous law but more stringent than the current Michigan system.

What This Means for West Michigan

West Michigan has a significant population of older drivers. Kent County, Grand Rapids, and surrounding areas have substantial numbers of drivers over 75. The proposed changes would affect thousands of Michigan drivers and could impact state licensing facilities and testing centers throughout the region.

The bill would require additional resources at driver licensing offices across West Michigan to administer the increased testing. The Michigan State Police and Secretary of State's office would need to hire additional staff and potentially upgrade testing facilities to handle the increased demand.

Next Steps

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. Sen. Bayer will need to secure support from other lawmakers and navigate the Michigan Senate and House before it could reach Governor Whitmer's desk for signature.

The proposal reflects ongoing debates about balancing traffic safety concerns with the independence and mobility of older Michiganders. The bill has drawn 28 comments so far, indicating strong public interest in the issue.

Looking Ahead

As the Michigan Legislature continues its work in the coming months, this bill is likely to draw attention from both supporters concerned about road safety and opponents worried about the impact on older drivers who remain capable and safe on Michigan roads.

The debate highlights a broader national conversation about aging populations and their access to transportation, with states like Michigan taking steps to ensure that public roads remain safe for all users while respecting the rights of senior citizens.

Sources:

• https://wwmt.com/news/state/michigan-bill-drivers-75-age-elderly-tests-legislation-cars-vehicles-licenses-safety-government-crashes-wwmt