Florida GrandDriver®
 Florida
At-Risk Driver Council(FADC)
2003/2004
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| FADC - Background Information
The rapid growth of the oldest segment of our
population is creating special transportation
problems in Florida. Persons 85 years of age and
older are the fastest growing demographic group
in the United States; with Florida ranking 2nd
in the nation. By 2020 the 65+ population will
double in Florida. Citizens are mobility minded
and electing to drive longer. Medical advances
have made significant increases to life expectancy;
therefore, prospects for outliving the ability
to safety operate an automobile have dramatically
increased for many persons. Programs and systems
designed for seniors usage are fragmented and
not easily accessible. There is a lack of communication
and very little sharing of information and resources
between state agencies serving seniors.
July 11, 2003 the Governor approved Senate Bill
52/House Bill 633 to become law, F.S. 322.18(5)
pertaining to mandatory vision testing of drivers
over 79 and 322.181 mandating the Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to study the
effects of aging on driving ability. The purpose
of the study is to develop a comprehensive approach
to licensing drivers. DHSMV is to report the results
of the study to the Senate President and House
Speaker by February 1, 2004. The report includes
the findings of the study and recommendations
for improving the safety of at-risk drivers. Issues
to be studied by DHSMV to include:
- Effective and efficient identification of
drivers at risk of being involved in a motor
vehicle accident because of functional limitations
that effect their driving ability;
- Prevalence and effect of degenerative processes
affecting vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive
functions and reaction time;
- Implementation and effect of the department's
vision screening requirements and examination
of new technologies;
- Availability and effectiveness of remedial
measures such as skills training, adaptive equipment,
physical therapy and adjustment of driving practices
that will allow people to drive safely for as
long as possible;
- Availability of alternative forms of transportation
for people who can no longer safely drive; and
- Effectiveness of existing public education
initiatives relating to at-risk drivers.
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Florida At-Risk Driver Council (FADC) Established
In Law
July 11, 2003 the Governor approved Senate Bill
52/House Bill 633, to become law F.S. 322.181
effective upon signing, mandating the Department
of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) appoint
an advisory council to participate in the study
and to advise DHSMV on issues related to older
at-risk drivers on an ongoing basis. Members of
the council to include representatives of organizations
involved with issues facing older drivers including
state agencies, medical professionals, senior
citizen advocacy groups, providers of services
to senior citizens, and research entities.
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Background on previous FADC "Ad Hoc" Group
October 9, 1997 the Area Agency on Aging of
Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. (AAAPP) hosted a meeting
for state agencies with programs serving Florida's
mature driver population to share information
and plan for the future. The outcome of that meeting
was the establishment an "ad hoc" group called
the Florida Aging Drivers Council (FADC). Mission
Statement: "Help ensure safe mobility for Florida's
elders, which enhances dignity, quality of life
and independence throughout their life span."
Founding members were: DHSMV, DOEA, AAAPP, DOT
and DOI. Early on it was decided that we needed
a Research Sub-Committee comprised of experts
conducting research in the senior transportation
issues from universities to report on current
activities in the older driver arena, provide
consultation on technical matters, legislation
and conduct surveys in support of FADC. This "ad
hoc" group met bi-monthly in Florida with rotating
host locations. All members of FADC had equal
voting rights, with no one entity in a chair position.
The AAAPP provided record-keeping and clerical
assistance for the meetings funded through their
DOT 402 grant. We had educational meetings conducted
by world-renowned authorities in this field in
an effort to understand downstream effects of
actions and plan for the future. Subject matter
experts are invited to share information for discussion/implementation
at each meeting.
This was a partnership of all stakeholders in
the aging driver issue toward understanding the
problems facing current and future Florida populations
in order to make changes to our transportation
systems to maintain quality of life and ensure
safety regardless of mode of travel. FADC members
were a consortium of practitioners, policy-makers
and scientists whom were: AAAPP; DHSMV; DOEA;
DOInsurance; DOT; Commission on Transportation
Disadvantaged; AARP; Alzheimer Disease Initiative;
House Transportation Committee Aide; Senate Transportation
Committee Aide; Legislative Aides; Florida Atlantic
University; Florida State University; University
of Central Florida; University of Florida; University
of Miami; and University of South Florida.
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FADC "ad hoc" Group Prior Initiatives:
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Consensual agreement of FADC voted to support
the development of a social marketing initiative
for public education and advocacy. At present
time, American Association of Motor Vehicle
Administrators (AAMVA) and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are
developing a social marketing campaign in
support of mature drivers. It is designed
to project a more positive picture of aging
with a support piece for families and communities.
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Consensual agreement of FADC voted on DHSMV
to be the entity to receive funding from NHTSA
on FADC's behalf to conduct a pilot project
in a 403 Cooperative Agreement with participating
universities and AAAPPC funded through FDOT
402 grants to support the endeavor. DOEA's
liaison would handle communications with the
state-run Memory Disorder Clinics (MDC) facilities
for purposes of this study, with the universities
conducting the driver skill assessments at
the MDC sites. NHTSA wanted DHSMV to do this
project as Maryland DMV was doing a similar
project and their intent is to have model
projects that could be duplicated nationwide
with DMV's; as the public considers DMV's
as the experts in the field and trust the
organization to look out for public safety
on highways. Project is to evaluate technologies
for sensitivity and specificity of identifying
cognitively impaired persons.
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Consensual agreement of FADC voted on DHSMV
to be the entity to receive funding from FDOT
on FADC's behalf to conduct a pilot project
with participating universities and AAAPPC
funded through FDOT 402 grants in a three-year
effort done in phases to support the endeavor.
Pilot project to establish "Senior Safety
Resource Centers" statewide to provide community
outreach through establishment of a tiered
system of voluntary driver skill assessment/referral/remediation/mobility
counseling in local communities outside of
DHSMV. The first phase year to develop training
modules for medical professionals on driver
skill assessment through incorporating the
American Medical Associations Physician's
Guide to Driver Skill Assessment with the
Florida DHSMV medical referral process guidelines
and offering this course to the medical community
statewide. Second phase year will develop
training modules for law enforcement and judicial
professionals on aging sensitivity, recognition
of at-risk drivers and resource/referral information.
Third phase year will focus on community outreach
and implementation of training courses.
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Consensual agreement of FADC voted on to
encourage establishment of local community
coalitions on mature transportation issues
as part of the DOEA Communities for Life program.
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Consensual agreement of FADC voted on to
have the FADC Research Subcommittee to create
a strategic plan for Florida concerning the
at-risk driver. The FADC Research Subcommittee
is to look at studies and research done nationally/internationally
on the subject for a basis of the strategic
plan. The passing of SB 52 into law requires
the formulation of a comprehensive approach
to licensing, which can be done through this
subcommittee team of educated experts which
is a smaller group with grant funding to do
the work. The developed findings and recommendations
would then be presented to DHSMV Executive
Staff for approval. After DHSMV approves,
then we would make a presentation to the full
FADC Committee for support votes prior to
finalization and presentation to the legislature.
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Senate 0052:
Relating to Driver's Licenses/Vision Tests
S52 GENERAL BILL/CS/CS by Health,
Aging, and Long-Term Care; Transportation; Wise;
(CO-SPONSORS) Lynn; Atwater (Similar H 0633, Compare
1ST ENG/H 0189) Driver's Licenses/Vision
Tests; requires vision tests for certain applicants
for license renewal; prohibits those applicants
from renewing by telephone or electronic means;
requires HSMV to study effects of aging on driving
ability. Amends 322.18. EFFECTIVE DATE: 07/11/2003
except as otherwise provided.
| 12/13/02 |
SENATE |
Prefiled |
| 12/20/02 |
SENATE |
Referred to Transportation;
Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care; Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic
Development; Appropriations |
| 02/10/03 |
SENATE |
On Committee agenda--Transportation,
02/18/03,4:00 pm,37-S --Temporarily postponed
|
| 03/04/03 |
SENATE |
Introduced, referred to Transportation;
Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care; Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic
Development; Appropriations -SJ 00010; On
Committee agenda-- Transportation, 02/18/03,
4:00 pm, 37-S --Temporarily postponed |
| 03/06/03 |
SENATE |
On Committee agenda-- Transportation,
03/11/03, 1:00 pm, 37-S |
| 03/11/03 |
SENATE |
CS by Transportation; YEAS
9 NAYS 0 -SJ 00178; CS read first time on
03/13/03 -SJ 00178 |
| 03/13/03 |
SENATE |
Now in Health, Aging, and Long-Term
Care -SJ 00178 |
| 03/20/03 |
SENATE |
On Committee agenda-- Health,
Aging, and Long-Term Care, 03/25/03, 3:15
pm, 412-K |
| 03/25/03 |
SENATE |
CS/CS by Health, Aging, and
Long-Term Care; YEAS 10 NAYS 0 -SJ 00282;
CS read first time on 03/27/03 -SJ 00288 |
| 03/27/03 |
SENATE |
Now in Appropriations Subcommittee
on Transportation and Economic Development
-SJ 00282 |
| 04/16/03 |
SENATE |
Withdrawn from Appropriations
Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic
Development; Appropriations -SJ 00423; Placed
on Calendar, on second reading |
| 04/23/03 |
SENATE |
Placed on Special Order Calendar
-SJ 00502; Read second time -SJ 00490 |
| 04/24/03 |
SENATE |
Read third time -SJ 00552;
CS passed; YEAS 39 NAYS 0 -SJ 00552 |
| 04/25/03 |
HOUSE |
In Messages |
| 04/28/03 |
HOUSE |
Received, placed on Calendar
-HJ 00705 |
| 04/30/03 |
HOUSE |
Placed on Special Order Calendar;
Substituted for HB 633 -HJ 00883; Read second
time -HJ 00883 |
| 05/01/03 |
HOUSE |
Read third time -HJ 01016;
CS passed; YEAS 102 NAYS 0 -HJ 01016 |
| 05/01/03 |
SENATE |
Ordered enrolled -SJ 01057
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| 06/30/03 |
Signed
by Officers and presented to Governor |
| 07/11/03 |
Approved
by Governor; Chapter No. 2003-273 |
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| Senate Staff Analysis And Economic
Impact Statement |
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(This document is based on the provisions
contained in the legislation as of the latest date
listed below.)
SPONSOR: Transportation Committee and Senator Wise
SUBJECT: Driver's licenses/vision tests
DATE: March 11, 2003
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. McAuliffe Meyer TR Favorable/CS
2. HC
3. ATD
4. AP
I. Summary:
The CS requires a licensee who is otherwise
eligible for a renewal license and who is over
79 years of age to: (1) submit to and pass a vision
test administered at any driver's license office;
or (2) if applying for an extension by mail, then
submit to a vision test administered by a licensed
physician, optometrist, or optician who must send
the results of the test to the Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) via electronic
means as approved by DHSMV, or on the proper DHSMV
form signed by the physician, optometrist, or
optician, and meet vision standards equivalent
to DHSMV's vision test. The CS further modifies
driver's license laws to prohibit a licensee who
is over 79 years of age from submitting an application
for extension by electronic or telephonic means.
The CS also requires the DHSMV to study the effects
of aging on driving ability.
This CS substantially amends section 322.18 of
the Florida Statutes.
II. Present Situation:
Driver's License Examination Requirements
The Department is currently required to examine
every first time applicant, regardless of age,
prior to the issuance of an original Florida driver
license. The examination includes a test of eyesight
and hearing, ability to read and understand highway
signs, knowledge of traffic laws, and a demonstration
of motor vehicle operation skills. However, a
new Florida resident with a valid out-of-state
license may reciprocate his or her license and
only be required to pass the eye exam.
Once a license is issued, the DHSMV continuously
monitors driver performance through reexaminations
of drivers appearing to be incompetent. On written
notice of at least 5 days, theDHSMV, having good
cause, may require a licensed driver to submit
to an examination or reexamination. "Good cause"
includes, but is not limited to, the recommendation
from a court, a law enforcement agency, or a physician.
A licensee may also be subject to reexamination
by the DHSMV upon renewal. The examination consists
of tests of the licensee's eyesight and hearing
and his or her ability to read and understand
highway signs and pavement markings.
Driver's License Issuance Periods
Generally, an initial driver license issuance
is valid for 6 years, concurrent with the applicant's
birthday. (If an applicant establishes his or
her identity for a driver's license using either
an employment authorization card or a proof of
nonimmigrant classification both of which are
issued by the United States Department of Justice,
then the driver's license shall expire 4 years
after the date of issuance or upon the expiration
date cited on the United States Department of
Justice documents, whichever date first occurs.)
A renewal driver's license is valid for 4 years.
However, if the applicant's driving record includes
no convictions for the preceding 3 years or no
revocations, disqualifications, or suspensions
over the preceding 7 years, the renewal driver's
license is valid for 6 years. Currently, the DHSMV
may issue 4-year and 6-year license extensions
by mail, electronic, or telephonic means without
reexamination, unless renewal applicants are directed
by the DHSMV to appear for an in-person examination.
Licensed drivers are eligible for two consecutive
license extensions without a required examination
by the DHSMV. Therefore, the maximum time from
the original driver license issuance to the end
of the second license renewal could be 18 years
(6 year original license and 2 mail-in renewal
periods of 6 years each equaling 18 years.)
Driver's License Fees
The fee for an original operator's (class D) driver's
license is $20 and the fee for renewal or extension
is $15. The renewal fee is applicable for both
a 4 and 6-year license. Driver license fees are
deposited into the General Revenue Fund.
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The CS amends s. 322.18, F.S., and modifies
driver's license laws by requiring a licensee
who is otherwise eligible for a renewal license
and who is over 79 years of age to: (1) submit
to and pass a vision test administered at any
driver's license office; or (2) if applying for
an extension by mail, then submit to a vision
test administered by a licensed physician, optometrist,
or optician who must send the results of the test
to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles (DHSMV) via electronic means as approved
by DHSMV, or on the proper DHSMV form signed by
the physician, optometrist, or optician, and meet
vision standards equivalent to DHSMV's vision
test. The CS further modifies driver's license
laws to prohibit a licensee who is over 79 years
of age from submitting an application for extension
by electronic or telephonic means.
The CS also requires the DHSMV to study the effects
of aging on driving ability. Issues to be addressed
in the study include:
- Effective and efficient identification of
drivers at risk of being involved in a motor
vehicle accident because functional limitations
that effect their driving ability;
- Prevalence and effect of degenerative processes
affecting vision, mobility, cognitive functions
and reaction time;
- Implementation and effect of DHSMV's vision
screening requirements and examination of new
technologies;
- Availability and effectiveness of remedial
measures such as skills training, adaptive equipment,
physical therapy and adjustment of driving practices
that will allow people to drive safely for as
long as possible;
- Availability of alternative forms of transportation
for people who can no longer safely drive; and
the
- Effectiveness of existing public education
initiatives relating to at-risk drivers.
The CS requires DHSMV to report the results
of the study, including findings and recommendations,
to the Legislature by February 1, 2004. The CS
requires DHSMV to appoint the Florida At-Risk
Driver Council to participate in the study and
to advise DHSMV on issues related to older at-risk
drivers. Members of the council must include representatives
or organizations involved with issues facing older
drivers including state agencies, medical professionals,
senior citizen advocacy groups, providers of services
to senior citizens, and research entities.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. Other Constitutional Issues:
Classifications
based upon age must be rationally related to furthering
the state's legitimate interests.
V. Economic Impact and Fiscal Note:
A. Tax/Fee Issues::
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
Those persons over
79 years of age who elect to pay for a physician
to perform the vision test may be impacted. The
chart below provides the DHSMV's anticipated renewals
beginning July 1, 2003 for drivers over 79 years
of age:
License expires July 1, 2003 or after.
Over age 79 at time of expiration
Year Renewals
2003 Over 210,000
2004 Over 216,000
2005 Over 183,000
2006 Over 162,000
C. Government Sector Impact:
The Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimates an
insignificant fiscal impact of $3,240 for programming
modifications. The CS would impact driver license
offices to the extent those persons over 79 years
of age would elect to choose the "free" vision
test provided at these offices, and would require
DHSMV to screen vision reports from physicians,
prepare correspondence to add restrictions, direct
drivers for re-testing and log follow-up reviews,
and respond to additional telephone inquiries;
however, the DHSMV would absorb the additional
workload without incurring additional costs.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None
VII. Related Issues:
None
VIII. Amendments:
None
This Senate staff analysis does not reflect the
intent or official position of the bill's sponsor
or the Florida Senate.
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| CHAPTER
2003-273
Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 52
An act relating to driver's licenses; amending s.
322.18, F.S.; requiring vision tests for certain
applicants for license renewal; prohibiting those
applicants from renewing by telephone or electronic
means; requiring the department to study the effects
of aging on driving ability; providing an effective
date.
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| Be It Enacted by the Legislature
of the State of Florida:
Section 1.
Effective January 1, 2004, subsection (5) of section
322.18,Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
322.18 Original applications, licenses, and renewals;
expiration of licenses; delinquent licenses.
(5) All renewal driver's licenses may be issued
after the applicant licensee has been determined
to be eligible by the department.
(a) A licensee who is otherwise eligible for renewal
and who is over 79 years of age:
1. Must submit to and pass a vision test administered
at any driver's license office; or
2. If the licensee applies for an extension by
mail as provided in subsection
(8), must submit to a vision test administered
by a physician licensed under chapter 458 or chapter
459, or an optometrist licensed under chapter
463, must send the results of that test to the
department on a form obtained from the department
and signed by such health care practitioner, and
must meet vision standards that are equivalent
to the standards for passing the departmental
vision test. The physician or optometrist may
submit the results of a vision test by a department-approved
electronic means.
(b) A licensee who is over 79 years of age may
not submit an application for extension under
subsection (8) by electronic or telephonic means,
unless the results of a vision test have been
electronically submitted in advance by the physician
or optometrist.
Section 2.
(1) The Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles shall study the effects of aging on driving
ability. The purpose of the study is to develop
a comprehensive approach to licensing drivers.
(2) Issues to be studied by the department shall
include the:
(a) Effective and efficient identification of
drivers at risk of being involved in a motor vehicle
accident because of functional limitations that
effect their driving ability;
(b) Prevalence and effect of degenerative processes
affecting vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive
functions and reaction time;
(c) Implementation and effect of the department's
vision screening requirements and examination
of new technologies;
(d) Availability and effectiveness of remedial
measures such as skills training, adaptive equipment,
physical therapy and adjustment of driving practices
that will allow people to drive safely for as
long as possible;
(e) Availability of alternative forms of transportation
for people who can no longer safely drive; and
(f) Effectiveness of existing public education
initiatives relating to at-risk drivers.
(3) The department shall report the results of
the study to the President of the Senate and the
Speaker of the House of Representatives by February
1, 2004. The report shall include findings of
the study and recommendations for improving the
safety of at-risk drivers.
(4) The department shall appoint an advisory council
to participate in the study and to advise the
department on issues related to older at-risk
drivers on an ongoing basis. The council shall
be known as the Florida At-Risk Driver Council.
Members of the council shall include representatives
of organizations involved with issues facing older
drivers including state agencies, medical professionals,
senior citizen advocacy groups, providers of services
to senior citizens, and research entities.
Section 3.
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
act, this act shall take effect upon becoming
a law.
Approved by the Governor July 11, 2003.
Filed in Office Secretary of State July 11, 2003.
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