For many people, driving is more than transportation: it represents independence, identity, and connection to family, routines, and community. As people age, however, driving can become more complicated. Physical changes, health conditions, and slower reaction times may subtly reduce the ability to drive safely, even when someone still feels confident behind the wheel.
A recent national survey offers insight into how older adults view driving today, how they feel about their future behind the wheel, and how prepared they are if driving becomes unsafe. Understanding these findings can help older drivers, families, and caregivers approach this sensitive topic with empathy, transparency, and respect.
National poll of older drivers
In late 2025 the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation published findings from its National Poll on Healthy Aging in a report titled “The Road Ahead: Driving Behaviors, Confidence, and Planning Among Adults Age 65+.” The poll surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,883 Americans ages 50 to 97 about driving habits, confidence, and plans for future transportation needs.
The results reveal important patterns in how older adults think about driving safety, independence, and planning.
Driving remains central to daily life for many older adults
Driving continues to be a major part of life for most older Americans. The Healthy Aging poll found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of adults age 65 and older reported driving most days during the past six months, and another 22% drove at least once a week. Only about 10% of respondents said they did not drive at all.
Those most likely to drive frequently included men, people with higher household incomes, and individuals reporting good or excellent physical and mental health.
High current confidence but more uncertainty about the future
Among older adults who still drive, confidence in current driving ability is high: 81% said they are “very confident” in their ability to drive safely today. Yet when asked to look ahead five years, confidence declines. Only 43% felt “very confident” they would be driving safely in five years, while 51% were “somewhat confident” and 5% were “not very confident.”
These responses suggest that many older drivers recognize potential changes ahead, even if they feel capable now.
Gaps in long-term transportation planning
Despite concerns about future driving, many older adults lack contingency plans. More than half (54%) of drivers age 65 and older reported they do not have a plan for transportation if they can no longer drive. Additionally, 84% were unfamiliar with the idea of an “advance driving directive,” a written plan that outlines preferences and designates decision-makers related to changes in driving ability.
After learning what an advance driving directive is, 70% of respondents said having one would be important, indicating openness once the concept is explained. This suggests education about planning tools can prompt meaningful action.
Self-regulation is already common
One encouraging finding is that many older drivers adjust their habits to stay safe. The poll found 68% avoid driving under certain conditions, including:
- Bad weather (53%)
- Nighttime driving (48%)
- Heavy traffic (25%)
- Unfamiliar places (16%)
- Freeways or interstates (15%)
These adjustments reflect self-awareness and a desire to balance independence with safety for both the driver and others on the road.
Confidence does not always match safety
Confidence is important but does not always align with actual driving ability. Vision, hearing, flexibility, reaction time, and cognition can change gradually and unevenly with age. The Healthy Aging poll found some older adults already face driving challenges: 14% reported vision-related driving difficulties, 5% experienced temporary issues such as recovery from surgery or injury, and 4% cited physical or mobility limitations that affect driving.
Alarmingly, only 6% of older adults had discussed their driving with a healthcare provider, indicating missed opportunities for proactive conversations about safety, adaptive strategies, and planning.
While most older drivers are cautious and motivated to protect themselves and others, research shows crash risk can increase with certain age-related medical conditions and functional impairments, particularly in complex driving situations. Recognizing when driving becomes risky is about safety and prevention, not blame.
Why “taking the keys away” is so difficult
For families, few conversations carry as much emotion as addressing an older adult’s driving. Adult children often fear harming trust or provoking anger if they raise concerns, while older adults may feel threatened, dismissed, or that their independence is being undermined. Driving cessation often means a real sense of loss, with potential consequences such as reduced social engagement, increased isolation, and higher rates of depression.
Because of these emotional stakes, experts recommend planning, partnership, and dignity rather than sudden, unilateral decisions. The Healthy Aging findings support this approach: many older adults sense future uncertainty but have not translated that awareness into concrete plans. Useful strategies for families include:
- Starting conversations early, before a crisis occurs
- Involving the older adult in decision-making
- Using neutral third parties, such as physicians or occupational therapists
- Focusing on shared goals like safety, independence, and quality of life
Advance driving directives can be particularly helpful because they let older adults express preferences before driving becomes unsafe. Tools such as mobility planning resources can also support families during transitions.
Transportation alternatives for older adults
Stopping or reducing driving doesn’t have to mean giving up an active life. The poll found many older adults already use alternatives:
- 44% received rides from friends or family in the past year
- 21% used rideshare services
- 14% used public transportation
Access to these alternatives can be uneven: some respondents said rideshare (5%) or public transit (9%) were not available where they live. Equitable community design and retirement community planning can help bridge these gaps.
Transportation advantages in retirement communities
Many retirement communities are designed to reduce the need for driving. Common amenities include:
- On-site dining, fitness, and activities that limit off-campus travel
- Scheduled shuttles for shopping, medical appointments, and outings
- Walkable layouts and accessibility features
- Organized group transportation for events and excursions
These built-in options can ease the emotional impact of giving up driving, offering convenience and connection. For families, community transportation support can reduce caregiving stress and concerns about safety.
Planning for safety and long-term independence
Driving as we age is rarely all-or-nothing. Many older adults gradually change when, where, and how they drive. Eventually most will need to reduce or stop driving altogether. The aim should be to preserve independence through thoughtful planning and supportive systems rather than impose restriction.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging highlights that planning ahead helps preserve independence. Waiting until a driving incident forces rushed decisions, while early conversations and gradual transitions let older adults retain control. Health systems, families, and communities each have a role to play. By talking openly, planning early, and embracing transportation alternatives—such as those offered in retirement communities—older adults and their loved ones can navigate this transition with compassion, respect, and confidence.
The road ahead may change as we grow older, but with thoughtful planning, connection, purpose, and dignity need not be left in the rearview mirror.