News

Graham Bill Would End Road Tests For Older Drivers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jason Yuckenberg
(202) 727-5820

March 20, 2007

Washington DC – Older drivers would no longer be required to take road tests, if a bill introduced by Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One) and eight of his colleagues is enacted into law.

“Seniors are being unfairly targeted and I am not convinced that these tests serve a useful purpose,” said Councilmember Graham.

At a recent hearing, seniors objected to taking road tests because they felt the tests didn’t accurately measure their fitness as drivers. The American Automobile Association also questioned whether the tests did anything to improve driving safety for seniors or for the public at large.

For 34 years, DC law provided the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) the option to require persons 75 years or older to take a written or road test. The DMV decided in May 2006 to impose this requirement.

While many states require various steps for older drivers at renewal, only New Hampshire and Illinois require a road test for persons 75 or older.

Councilmember Graham’s bill does not affect the eye test required of drivers 70 or older, and still allows the DMV to require a reaction test and a medical certification of mental and physical competency.

Joining Councilmember Graham as co-sponsors include Chairman Vincent Gray (D-At Large), and Councilmembers Carol Schwartz (R-At Large), David Catania (I-At Large), Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), Kwame Brown (D-At Large), Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6).

Councilmember Graham is the chair of the Committee on Public Works and the Environment, which oversees the Department of Motor Vehicles. The bill was referred to his committee.

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