However, there are a few safeguards to catch incompetent drivers, Fielder said. Examiners have the power to require additional testing if it seems necessary, Fielder said, such as if an applicant appears to be confused. Often, the board receives letters from doctors, family members, law enforcement officers or court officials recommending license revocation. But being the subject of one of these letters doesn't always mean the driver must retake an exam. Some letters are written out of spite, Fielding said.
Every case is different.
The board revoked 3,341 licenses last year. Most of the medical cases investigated were reported by a doctor or a family member. Very few of the licensees gave up their license by choice. But doctors aren't required by law to report health problems, said Fielding, and some elderly drivers don't visit doctors regularly. If their families choose not to report health problems, many problem drivers could remain on the road.