You want to take tests that are proven predictors of driving ability. There have been many studies in this field. The tests included on this site have been validated in studies commissioned by the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration. 

They tested several areas of physical and mental function and discovered that there were two tests that consistently predicted driving risk.  Failing either of those tests means that you are at risk of accident, injury, or tickets. 

A standard screening questionnaire can be helpful in your decision to be tested. If you answer “yes” to these questions, you should be tested. 

• A police officer has given you a warning because of poor driving behavior.
• You’ve had a series of close calls, violations, and/or minor collisions.
• Driving makes you nervous.
• Driving makes you tired very quickly.
• You often become disoriented about where you are when driving.
• Making good decisions quickly is difficult when driving.
• You often “miss” red lights or stop signs and as a consequence go through them without stopping.
• You back into and over things such as curbs.
• Passing cars frighten you.
• Other drivers tailgate or pass you most of the time.
• You have mistaken the gas pedal for the brake.
• You have had a stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, sleep disorders, or uncontrolled diabetes.
• You take several medications.

Several of the items listed above reflect mental OR physical compromise.

Your problem may be related to physical issues rather than mental decline if you experience any of the following:

• You have a difficult time with hand/foot coordination.
• You have a difficult time seeing people, traffic signs, lane lines, or other objects around or on the road.
• You have difficulty with the glare of oncoming headlights, streetlights, or other shiny objects while driving.
• You have trouble climbing stairs or walking more than one block.
• It is difficult for you to look over your shoulder or turn your head to look before changing lanes.

Physical abilities are important for driving but they will not be tested on this site because they do not necessarily reflect an individual’s risk for accidents, injury, or citations while driving.

If you have a physical impairment and need to have your driving ability assessed, you should contact a driving rehabilitation expert or the DMV of your state. Physical disabilities that may affect driving include paralysis, neuropathy, loss of vision or hearing, low blood sugar, arthritis, and many others.

Immediately after completing the exams, you will receive your results along with detailed recommendations. Your results will fall into one of four categories.

1. low risk 
2. slight risk
3. medium risk
4. high risk

No single test can be 100% accurate enough to demand someone’s keys, but failing both of the tests on this site can confidently predict risk high enough to discourage continued driving.

Asking an elderly parent or relative to stop driving is difficult because driving provides individuals with the ability to remain independent. Yet, many elderly (considered 65 years and older in the Maryland studies) drivers are a danger to themselves and others on the road. It’s important, therefore, that the family, friends, and other caregivers of these individuals be able to identify potential driving problems and to request that the person stop any dangerous driving behavior.

If your loved one’s driving worries you and you are unsure whether they should continue to drive, you may offer the Safe Senior Driver exercises as an opportunity for them to get an unbiased opinion.