For most older adults, one’s car keys represent far more than transportation. They stand for independence, connection, and the ability to live life on one’s own terms.
And while they know that driving may change with age, many are not yet prepared for when that change arrives.
Happy owner looking at the camera with happy face and thumbs up. Handsome bearded mature man sitting relaxed in his car looking out the window smiling joyfully.
That’s one of the findings from a new national report from the University of Michigan that suggests that while most adults age 65 and older still feel confident behind the wheel now, far fewer are prepared for a future when driving may no longer be safe or possible.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging surveyed adults nationwide earlier this year for the report, The Road Ahead: Driving Behaviors, Confidence, and Planning Among Adults Age 65+. Its findings reveal a striking gap between confidence and planning, one with implications for safety, health, and quality of life as people age. But also suggests that better information, earlier conversations, and thoughtful planning can help clear the road ahead and prevent the isolation or loss of independence that comes when driving is no longer an option.
According to the poll, driving remains a regular part of daily life for most older adults. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of people age 65 and older said they drive a vehicle most days, and another 22% drive at least once a week. Among those who drive, confidence is high with 81% saying they are very confident in their current ability to drive safely.
That confidence fades slightly when people look ahead. When asked how confident they feel about driving safely five years from now, only 43% said they were very confident.
More than half said they were only somewhat confident or not confident at all about their future driving ability.
Despite that uncertainty, most older drivers have not made plans for what comes next. More than half (54%) said they do not have a plan in place for transportation if they were no longer able to drive safely. Even more striking, 84% said they were not familiar with the idea of an “advance driving directive,” a written plan that outlines a person’s driving preferences and identifies who should help make decisions if health or ability changes.
Once the concept was explained, however, attitudes shifted. Seven in 10 older adults said having an advance driving directive would be important.
The poll also sheds light on how older drivers are already adjusting their habits. Nearly seven in 10 said they avoid driving under certain conditions, even if they still consider themselves capable drivers. More than half avoid driving in bad weather, nearly half avoid driving at night, and one-quarter steer clear of heavy traffic.
These choices may reflect an understanding that while driving is still possible, it may not always feel comfortable or safe.
Health plays a role in some drivers’ decisions to scale back driving patterns.
In their responses, some older drivers reported that vision problems, mobility limitations, or temporary health issues such as surgery or injury affect their ability to drive. Among those who had stopped driving entirely in the past six months, one-third said it was no longer safe for them to be on the road, and nearly 30% cited a health issue as the reason they stopped.
Despite these health-motivated decisions, very few older adults said they’d discussed driving with a health care provider. Only 6% had spoken with a doctor or other provider about their driving ability.
When driving does become more limited, many older adults rely on informal transportation solutions. In the past year, 44% said they received rides from family or friends, while smaller numbers used rideshare services or public transportation.
While that works for some, these options are not available or practical for everyone, particularly in rural areas or communities with limited transit services.
In their report, authors emphasized that planning ahead is not about taking away independence but about protecting it. Having conversations early, identifying trusted people to help with decisions, and learning about transportation options before they are urgently needed can make transitions smoother and far less stressful.
“Most people will eventually need to reduce or stop driving,” the report noted.
“Losing the ability to drive can be a significant and potentially life-changing event affecting one’s daily tasks, social activities, and sense of independence,” report authors wrote. “It is important for the people in older adults’ lives to be aware of this reality and support them as they navigate changes in driving ability.”
Framing these discussions as planning for safety and independence, can help make them easier for individuals and families alike.
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