Who can report a senior driver and what happens next
You cannot directly take away someone's driver's license yourself. A state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency makes that decision. What you can do is report safety concerns to that agency, request a re-examination, or in some cases ask a doctor to report the driver. The DMV will then investigate and may require the driver to take a vision test, written test, or road test — or may suspend or revoke the license based on medical records or crash history.
The process varies significantly by state. Some states allow family members to request a re-examination by mail or online. Others require a police report or a doctor's statement. A few states have no formal process for concerned relatives and rely only on crashes, traffic violations, or the driver's own doctor reporting concerns.
Start by contacting your state's DMV directly to ask what options exist where you live. You will need to explain the specific safety concerns — not just "I think they shouldn't drive" but concrete examples like getting lost on familiar routes, multiple near-misses, or a recent crash.
Key Takeaways
- The DMV in your state, not you, has the authority to suspend or revoke a license, but you can report safety concerns and request a re-examination.
- Most states allow family members or concerned parties to submit a written report describing specific unsafe driving incidents to the DMV.
- Some states require a doctor's statement or a police report; others accept reports from anyone who has witnessed unsafe driving.
- The DMV may respond by mailing the driver a notice requiring them to pass a vision, written, or road test within a set timeframe.
- If the driver fails the test or the DMV finds sufficient evidence of impairment, the license can be suspended or revoked without the driver's consent.
Reporting unsafe driving to your state DMV
Contact your state's DMV and ask for the process to report an unsafe driver. Most states have a form you can fill out online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide the driver's name, license number (if you have it), and specific examples of unsafe driving — dates, locations, and what happened. Vague concerns like "they seem confused" are less likely to trigger action than concrete incidents like "they ran a red light twice in one week" or "they hit a parked car and didn't stop."
Some states ask you to identify yourself; others allow anonymous reports. Check your state's DMV website for the exact form and submission method. If you cannot find it online, call the DMV's main number and ask to speak with someone in the driver safety or medical review unit. They can tell you whether your state accepts reports from family members and what information they need.
After you submit a report, the DMV typically sends the driver a notice. It does not say "someone reported you" — it says the DMV is requiring a re-examination or medical evaluation. The driver then has a important date (usually 30 to 60 days) to comply. If they fail the test or do not show up, the license is suspended or revoked.
Getting a doctor to report medical concerns
In most states, a doctor can report a patient to the DMV if they believe the patient is medically unfit to drive. This is one of the most effective routes because doctors have authority and medical documentation. If the senior has a primary care physician, neurologist, or eye doctor, you can contact that office and explain your concerns. Ask to speak with the doctor or the office manager about reporting procedures.
You do not need the driver's permission for a doctor to report them in most states — medical reporting to the DMV is considered a public safety exception to confidentiality. However, the doctor must have examined the patient and formed their own medical opinion. You cannot straightforward tell a doctor "my parent is unsafe" and expect them to file a report without seeing the patient themselves.
If the senior is resistant to seeing a doctor, you may need to frame it differently — a routine checkup, an eye exam, or a follow-up for an existing condition. Once the doctor has examined them and has concerns, the doctor can initiate the DMV report independently.
Requesting a re-examination through the DMV
Many states allow you to request that the DMV re-examine a driver without filing a formal complaint. This is less confrontational and sometimes more effective. You contact the DMV and ask them to send the driver a notice requiring a vision test, written test, or road test. The DMV may do this if the driver is over a certain age (often 75 or 80), has had a recent crash, or has a medical condition on file.
To request a re-examination, call your state's DMV and ask for the medical review or driver safety unit. Explain that you are concerned about a family member's driving and ask whether the DMV can require a re-test. Some states will do this based on age alone; others require specific evidence of unsafe driving or a medical condition. The DMV will tell you what they need from you.
If the DMV agrees to send a notice, the driver receives it in the mail and must pass the test to keep their license. If they fail, the license is suspended. If they do not take the test by the important date, the license is automatically suspended.
What happens if the driver fails the re-examination
If the driver fails a vision test, written test, or road test, the DMV will suspend or revoke their license. The length of the suspension varies by state and by the reason for failure. A failed vision test might result in a suspension that can be lifted once the driver gets corrective lenses and passes again. A failed road test usually results in a longer suspension or revocation.
The driver has the right to appeal the decision in most states. They can request a hearing before a DMV examiner or administrative judge, present evidence, and argue that the test was unfair or that their condition has improved. This process typically takes several weeks to several months. During the appeal, the license remains suspended.
If the license is revoked (not just suspended), the driver must wait a set period — often one to three years — before they can reapply. Even then, they must pass all tests again.
Handling resistance from the driver
Many seniors are deeply attached to driving and will resist any attempt to take the license away. They may deny that there is a problem, blame other drivers, or become angry if you suggest they are unsafe. This is normal and understandable — driving represents independence and control.
If you are reporting concerns to the DMV, the driver will eventually find out, either from the re-examination notice or from you. It is often better to have a conversation first if the relationship allows it. Explain specific incidents, not judgments: "You hit the mailbox last week" rather than "You're a bad driver." Suggest a voluntary re-examination or a driving assessment from a professional driving evaluator, which some seniors find less threatening than a DMV test.
If the driver refuses to acknowledge the problem and you believe they are a serious danger, you may need to report to the DMV without their knowledge. This is a difficult decision, but public safety is the priority. The DMV process is designed to be fair — the driver gets notice and a chance to pass the test — so you are not unilaterally taking away their license.
State-by-state variation in reporting processes
The process for reporting an unsafe driver or requesting a re-examination differs by state. Some states have a straightforward online form on the DMV website. Others require a written letter or a phone call. A few states have no formal public reporting process and rely only on police reports, crashes, or medical referrals from doctors.
Before you take any action, visit your state's DMV website and search for "report unsafe driver," "medical review," or "driver safety." If you cannot find information online, call the DMV's main number and ask which unit handles reports from the public about unsafe drivers. They can walk you through the exact steps for your state and tell you what information you need to provide.
Some states also have a separate process for drivers over a certain age. For example, a state might require all drivers over 85 to renew their license in person and pass a vision test. If the senior is approaching that age, the DMV will handle the re-examination automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report an unsafe driver anonymously?
It depends on your state. Some states accept anonymous reports; others require you to provide your name and contact information. Call your DMV and ask. If anonymity is important to you, ask whether the state will keep your name confidential from the driver or whether the driver will learn who reported them during an appeal.
What if the driver lives in a different state than I do?
Report to the state where the driver holds their license, not where you live. You will need to contact that state's DMV. If you do not know which state issued the license, you can search the driver's name on most state DMV websites, or call the DMV and ask them to look it up by name and date of birth.
Can I take away the license myself if the DMV is too slow?
No. Only the DMV can suspend or revoke a license. If you physically take the license or hide the car keys, you may face legal consequences for theft or interference with property. The DMV process takes time, but it is the legal route.
What if the driver passes the re-examination?
If the driver passes the vision test, written test, and road test, the DMV will not suspend the license. The driver is legally allowed to continue driving. If you still have safety concerns, you can report again if new incidents occur, or you can explore other options like arranging alternative transportation or having a family conversation about limiting driving to certain times or routes.
Does reporting someone to the DMV affect their insurance?
A DMV report itself does not affect insurance. However, if the DMV suspends or revokes the license and the driver continues to drive, that is illegal and can result in serious insurance consequences, including cancellation of the policy. If the driver is convicted of driving with a suspended license, insurance rates will increase significantly.