Michigan Senator Proposes Toughest Senior Driver Testing Laws in Nation

Senator Beyer's Bill Would Require Annual Road Tests for Drivers Over 85

Senate Bill 847, introduced by Democratic state Sen. Rosemary Bayer, would create the most stringent senior driver testing requirements in the country, mandating annual in-person road tests for drivers over 85 and quarterly evaluations for those between 75 and 84.

The proposal, currently in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, would require Michigan seniors to pass vision exams, written knowledge tests, and driving skills evaluations to keep their licenses.

"I do not believe Senior Drivers cause the multitude of accidents in Michigan. In my opinion, the largest traffic violators are from drug-alcohol use, marijuana use, distracted driving, road rage drivers."

A Sun Times News reader questioned whether older drivers are being unfairly targeted, arguing that other factors like impairment and distraction are more significant crash causes.

The Safety Data Behind the Proposal

The bill takes inspiration from the 2024 death of Sarah Thexton, who was struck and killed by a 94-year-old motorist. Thexton had been released on house arrest and was driving when she was hit.

Traffic safety experts acknowledge that crash dynamics change with age. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that older drivers have higher crash death rates per mile traveled than middle-aged drivers, largely due to increased physical vulnerability and age-related changes in vision and reaction time.

However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes that fatal crash rates per mile driven begin to rise around age 70 and increase more sharply after age 75. Yet older drivers still account for fewer total crashes overall.

Critics Question the Approach

AARP Michigan manager Cassie Thierfelder argues the bill uses age as a proxy for driving ability rather than addressing individual fitness to drive.

"Age alone is a poor predictor of driving ability and safety. So we're really concerned about this bill because of its discriminatory nature."

Thierfelder pointed out that in car-dependent communities like Michigan, requiring seniors to pass regular tests could cut off their only transportation option, potentially leading to criminal charges if they continue driving after failing.

"This is about people's independence. Driving is often what allows seniors to get to their jobs, to get to healthcare appointments. This is especially true in Michigan."

What Happens Next

Senate Bill 847 was introduced on March 18, 2026, and is still in the committee stage. Lawmakers can hold public hearings, gather testimony from experts and residents, and potentially amend the bill before it reaches a full Senate vote.

The proposal currently requires:

• Drivers aged 75 to 84: In-person license renewal every four years with vision, written knowledge, and driving skills tests
• Drivers aged 85 and older: Annual in-person renewal with the same testing requirements

Currently, many Michigan license renewals can be completed online or by mail.

Alternative Approaches Proposed

Safety advocates suggest focusing on individual assessments rather than age-based mandates. Thierfelder recommended making it easier for physicians to notify DMVs when patients are medically unfit to drive, and allowing DMVs to require re-testing for drivers with repeated violations or crashes regardless of age.

Transportation leaders also emphasized the need to improve public transit options and infrastructure to reduce seniors' reliance on driving.