Overview
Many older drivers are able to self-determine if they should drive based on their mental and physical ability.
Massachusetts is a self-reporting State. If you have a medical condition or are taking any medication that affects your driving, you must self-report to the RMV when renewing your driver’s license. You can discuss getting adaptive driving equipment with your physician. You can also apply for a disability plate or placard through the RMV.
The Your Health and Driving Safely brochure provides important information about driver fitness and lists hospitals and rehabilitation centers that offer driver evaluation and assessment programs. The RMV, AAA and AARP offer older driver safety programs. Professional driving schools provide driving instruction to all ages.
Shifting Gears
Learn how age-related changes can impact a person’s ability to drive safely and how you can support older driver safety and mobility. The RMV’s safe driving workshop, Shifting Gears, explores the warning signs of unsafe driving, Massachusetts licensing policies, and provides information on driving retirement and various transit options. Here is a recording of the RMV’s Shifting Gears workshop, which was made possible by our collaboration with the MBTA Statewide Accessibility Office. Please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ7wRcSNYog&t=14s
Additional Resources
Safe driving workshops and travel instruction training
Safe driving workshops
The RMV offers free, one-hour safe driving workshops across the state. To request a workshop in your community, complete and submit the Community Outreach Workshop Request Form.
For more information, see the RMV's safe driving presentation schedule or contact the RMV at (857) 368-9457.
Travel instruction training
The MBTA offers free travel instruction training to help seniors and people with disabilities travel independently on the bus, train, and commuter rail.
MBTA Transit Option video Description:
If you would like more information about transit options for older adults in the Greater Boston Area, click here: https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/2021-05-05-slides-webinar-for-older-adults.pdf)
Additional Resources
Senior Hour/Days for License/ID Renewal
Massachusetts law requires drivers who are 75 years of age or older to renew in person.
The RMV provides a weekly Senior Hour dedicated to customers over the age of 65 every Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. A reservation is required to visit during Senior Hour when conducting License or ID transactions. Note that Registration-related transactions can be performed at an RMV Service Center without a reservation. Examples of Registration transactions include registering a vehicle; transferring vehicle to surviving spouse; amending a registration; reinstating a registration; and confirming identity for a registration renewal.
Below are ways for customers age 65 and older to make a reservation to visit an RMV Service Center during the Senior Hour:
- Visit Mass.Gov/RMV to make a reservation at an RMV Service Center. Select the ‘Senior Hours’ option on the ‘Make or Cancel My Service Center Reservation.’
- Call 857-368-8005, the RMV’s dedicated reservation line for customers who are at least 65 years of age or have a disability. The RMV’s Senior License Renewal Reservation Line warns customers that they will not be served if do not meet the above qualifications.
- Email the RMV for assistance at MassDOTRMVSeniors@dot.state.ma.us.
If you are more than 15 minutes late for your RMV appointment, you will need to make a new reservation.
Select RMV Services Available at AAA Branches to Members by Reservation
Are you a AAA member? You might be eligible to renew your license/ID or registration at AAA. You must make a reservation to conduct RMV transactions at AAA. Learn more here https://northeast.aaa.com/automotive/registry-services/massachusetts.html
Here’s how to make a reservation to visit AAA:
- If you are a AAA member, you may make a reservation now to renew your driver’s license/ID at a AAA location. Visit aaa.com/appointments to schedule your visit.
AAA does not offer Senior Hour.
Warning signs of unsafe driving
You may want to consider driving less or not at all if you have difficulty:
- Seeing clearly in dusk and dark
- With vehicle headlights obstructing your sight
- With passing vehicles intimidating you
- Reading road signs
- Following detours or seeing police on detail
- Seeing train crossing signals or hearing train whistles
- Keeping up with the posted speed limit
- Concentrating or staying alert behind the wheel
- Hearing other vehicles
- With driving basics like seat belts or head lights
- With parking
- With slow reaction times or reflexes
Drivers who voluntarily surrender their driver's licenses are eligible for a free Massachusetts ID card. To surrender your driver's license, contact the Medical Affairs division of the RMV at (857) 368-8020.
Additional Resources
Resources for Medical Providers, Law Enforcement, and Caregivers
The RMV accepts reports by health care providers and law enforcement officials to evaluate drivers to ensure safety on the roads.
Medical Affairs division of the RMV sets the policies and procedures regarding minimum physical qualifications to operate motor vehicles. Learn how to report a medically impaired driver https://www.mass.gov/how-to/report-a-medically-impaired-driver
How Tos
Use these instructions to assist your family member, friend, or person you are caring for with common RMV transactions.
Replace a Lost/Stolen Disability Placard Instructions
Registration Renewal Instructions
Driver's License/ID Renewal Instructions
Change of Address Instructions
Order Replacement Plates Instructions