Overview
- The measure, introduced by Sen. Rosemary Bayer after a 2024 fatal crash drew advocacy from a victim’s husband, has been sent to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
- It would require drivers 75 and older to pass vision, written, and on-road tests every four years, then switch to annual testing at age 85.
- Michigan currently allows most drivers to renew without retaking tests if they have a clean record, so the bill would mark a major change in practice.
- Supporters point to state data showing drivers 65 and older made up about 26% of license holders in 2024 and were involved in roughly 20% of crashes, with fatal crashes for that group up nearly 71% since 2015.
- AARP typically opposes age-based testing, and several seniors interviewed said annual exams at 85 feel like overkill even as advocates press for added checks after the 2024 case.