A new bill was recently introduced in the Michigan legislature that would significantly change the renewal process for older drivers. Currently, Michigan has no age-based retesting requirements, but this proposal aims to change that.

The Proposed Legislation: Senate Bill 847

Introduced in March 2026 by State Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), the bill outlines specific mandatory testing intervals based on a driver's age:

• Drivers Aged 75–84: Would be required to pass a vision exam, a written knowledge test, and a road skills test every four years to renew their license.

   

• Drivers Aged 85 and Older: The same battery of tests (vision, written, and road skills) would be required every year.

   

The bill has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Background and Motivation

The push for this legislation stems from a fatal 2024 accident in which a 94-year-old driver killed a woman in Milford Township after a minor collision. Proponents argue that Michigan currently has a "hole in the system" because drivers can essentially go decades without ever having their skills or cognition formally re-evaluated.

Key Points of Debate

• Safety Data: Supporters point to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts showing a rise in serious accidents involving older drivers. Fatal crashes involving drivers 65 and older reportedly increased by over 70% between 2015 and 2024.

   

• Opposition: Groups like AARP Michigan generally oppose age-based testing, arguing that driving ability is based on health and functional capability rather than a birthdate. They advocate for assessments based on individual performance or medical conditions rather than age alone.

   

• Cost and Logistics: Sen. Bayer has noted that implementing these tests would cost the state roughly $6 million annually, which has been a point of friction with the Secretary of State’s office.

   

Current Michigan Law (As of March 2026)

Until any new bill is passed and signed by the Governor, the following remains true:

• No Age Limit: There is no age at which you automatically lose your license.

   

• Uniform Renewal: All drivers, regardless of age, typically renew every four years.

   

• Retesting by Request: The Secretary of State only requires a re-examination (which may include a road test) if there is a specific reason to believe a driver is no longer safe, often triggered by a "Request for Driver Evaluation" from a doctor, police officer, or concerned family member.

   

Michigan bill would require drivers 75 and older to take regular driving tests

This video provides a news report on the introduction of the bill and includes interviews regarding the fatal accident that inspired the legislation.