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Driving Checklist

Look for these warning signs that it may be time for your parent to hand over the keys:

  • New dents appearing on their car, garage door, mailbox, or fence.
  • Frequently gets lost.
  • Has difficulty following signals, road signs, and pavement markings.
  • Seems nervous behind the wheel.
  • Wanders into the other lane.
  • Receives numerous traffic tickets and warnings.
  • Frequently gets angry at other drivers.
  • Has confused the brake pedal with the gas pedal.
  • Has difficulty judging distances in traffic intersections and freeway ramps.
  • Seems distracted while driving.
  • Responds slowly to the unexpected.
  • Gets honked at a lot.
    (Even though your dad insists it’s just because he’s so good looking!)
  • Has frequent near-misses.
  • Has recently caused a car accident.
  • Has a medical condition that causes physical or cognitive impairment.
  • You feel increasingly uncomfortable in the passenger seat when they’re driving.

If you checked even one of these warning signs, it might be time to have your parent’s driving tested or enroll them in a refresher course. If you checked numerous boxes, it may be time for them to give up driving altogether. But first be sure there isn’t something “fixable” causing the trouble. (See Driving FAQ)