The Car: When Should They Stop Driving—and What Happens Next?

One Wrong Turn Can Change Everything 
Know when it’s time to take the keys—and what to do next.  
 
For many older adults, driving represents freedom, control, and connection to the outside world. But aging brings changes—some gradual, others abrupt—that can compromise safety behind the wheel. This chapter helps you answer one of the most difficult and sensitive questions in caregiving: When is it time to stop driving?
 
Chapter 4 walks you through the warning signs, medical concerns, and emotional stakes involved in retiring from the road. You’ll learn how conditions like vision loss, cognitive decline, and delayed reaction times affect driving safety. We offer strategies to extend the driving period when possible, including professional assessments and adaptive tools. Just as importantly, we address the emotional weight of giving up driving—and how to help your loved one navigate this loss of independence without feeling stranded. You’ll also get real talk about transportation alternatives and why they’re often harder to arrange than they appear.
 
This isn't a shallow overview you could Google. The Car gives you actionable insights grounded in expert research and caregiver experience. You’ll find decision-making guidance, support strategies, and compassionate language to help you manage one of the most emotionally charged transitions in elder care.
 
This chapter pairs well with:
 
Chapter 3: Activities of Daily Living – to evaluate how driving fits into your loved one’s broader functional abilities.
Chapter 5: The Moves – because losing the ability to drive is often the first indicator that a move might be on the horizon.
Chapter 6: The Home – to explore senior housing options that offer safe transportation alternatives and stronger support.
 
📌 View the Table of Contents to see all that’s included in this chapter.
📊 Sample assessment tools and planning frameworks included.
📺 Visit our YouTube Channel for more topics from GeriScope: The Ultimate Elderly Caregiving Survival Guide.
 
💡 Remember: You can use WIX coupons for bundle or group purchases. Download what you need now, then return to explore more as your elder care journey unfolds. Each chapter is a complete standalone guide—and an essential part of your caregiving toolkit.
 
Key Word Tags:
Senior driving safety
When to stop driving
Transportation for elderly
Warning signs for older adult drivers
Driving assessment aging