Impact from changes in Illinois drivers license renewal requirements for older drivers

In late 1989, Illinois revised the length of license term and renewal requirements for older drivers. The term was shortened from 4 to 2 years for those ages 81–86 and 1 year for those ages 87 and up. A mandatory road test which had been required at renewal for all drivers ages 69 and over, was eliminated for those ages 69 to 74. Data are available to explore the impact of these changes on crashes, fatal crashes, crash rates, and licensure rates of senior drivers. Comparisons are made between 1987–1989 averages and 1995 for three age groups: 70–74, 75–80 (the control group that had no changes in requirements), and 81 and up. It does not appear that eliminating the road test for those ages 69 to 74 had any negative impact. On the contrary, it does not appear that the more frequent renewal period for those ages 81 and up produced any benefit compared to the control group. As the number of older drivers continue to increase into the future, the analysis of licensing requirements and their impact is important.