Understand the five stages of having the conversation with a family member on when it’s time to retire from driving
1.
The driving conversation
Ideally, you’ve begun having these conversations before any issues are present. Talk about your vision and concerns for the future, and be an advocate for your parents and loved ones.
2.
The first signs of change
Look for changes in driving behavior and use self-assessment tools. Continue to provide support and let them know their safety, mobility and independence are your priority.
3.
The warning signs
Learn the signs that cause greater concern, when to seek advice from a medical professional, when to seek referrals to driving rehabilitation specialists and what adaptive devices for vehicles may benefit your loved one.
4.
When it's time to retire from driving
Know the critical questions to ask and what methods can help ease the transition. Learn what alternative approaches are available if retiring from driving is not voluntary.
5.
Preserving independence after retiring from driving
Help them plan for their future and consider alternative modes of transportation to maintain their highest level of freedom and independence.
Skills and abilities to consider
Mental
The ability to make split-second decisions, judgment and instant complex problem-solving, memory and ability to plan alternatives (in case of detours, etc.)
Physical
The strength and flexibility. Ability to move fluidly to control the gas and brake, to turn one’s head and neck to monitor traffic, and for backing and parking
Visual
Coloradans driving must read street signs and traffic signals, anticipate actions of other drivers, have peripheral vision to see traffic coming from the side of what's around when turning or changing lanes, and changes of vision in different levels of light — bright sunlight, dusk, night driving
Reaction time
The ability to make sudden changes in the flow of traffic or react to unexpected actions of animals or small children
1. Help them voluntarily retire from driving or limit their driving. If they voluntarily decide to hand over their driver license, they can downgrade their driver license to an identification (ID) card at no cost online or at a driver license office.
2. If your loved one decides to quit driving, it’s a good idea to have them formally surrender their license. They can do so at any driver license office; there isn’t a penalty for surrendering a license and we will issue an ID card to replace the license at no cost. Please note: appointments are required at all state driver license offices.
Concerned family members can submit a request for re-examination due to physical or mental constraints by emailing dor_mvhelpdesk@state.co.us. The email should include the driver's name and date of birth, the reason for concern, and the name and relationship to the driver.
Immediate family members, law enforcement and medical professionals can submit a request for re-examination.
No, the family member who makes a report must give their name and relationship to the loved one. The driver who is required to complete a re-examination has the right to know who submitted the re-examination request to the Department and can make a record request on myDMV.Colorado.gov.
- A letter will be mailed to the family member with details on how to comply with the re-examination request. If they pass the re-examination request before the action date, the action will be rescinded and they keep their driver license.
- Otherwise, to comply with the re-examination request, they must:
- Submit an approved medical or eye exam within 180 days from the date they received the letter
- Pay a reinstatement fee
- Provide proof of auto liability insurance (SR-22) for three years from the reinstatement date
- After reinstatement, they must complete all testing (eye exam, driving knowledge and driving skills tests