A new proposal in the Michigan Senate could soon change the way older drivers renew their licenses. Introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer, the bill would require drivers 75 and older to complete a vision test, written exam, and road test every four years. Once a driver turns 85, those tests would become annual.
The push for change comes after a tragic 2024 crash in which a 94‑year‑old driver struck and killed a woman in Oakland County. The victim’s husband, Christopher Thexton, has since advocated for stronger rules, arguing the current system allows elderly drivers to remain on the road without adequate re-evaluation.
Supporters of the bill point to rising crash rates among older drivers. In 2024, Michiganders aged 65+ represented 20% of all crashes, a 22% increase since 2015—and fatal crashes in that age group jumped nearly 71% over the same period.
