License-Renewal Bill Focuses on Older Drivers
New legislation would have older drivers renew their licenses more often and take road tests to prove their abilities are intact.
Posted — UpdatedStatistically, older drivers are not the most dangerous. Young drivers are considered a higher risk. However, teens really have to prove themselves to earn a license.
The bill that Rep. Ric Killian, R-Mecklenburg introduced Thursday seeks to have seniors do the same.
"I think my bill is a prudent way to insure that those who travel the road at all ages are a little more safe then they are today," Killian said.
The bill would make 75-year-old drivers reapply for a license every two years instead of every five and 85-year-old drivers reapply every year, and it would require all drivers over 75 to take a road test.
Currently, license are issued for a period of 5 or 8 years depending on a driver's age. Drivers between the ages of 18 to 53 will be issued licenses for 8 years. Those who are 54 and older will be issued licenses for 5 years.
Of Killian's bill, he said, "Hopefully that will not pass."
The bill is headed for the House Transportation Committee.
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