In South Carolina, Can You Legally Have Your Parents’ Driving Privileges Revoked?

Who Will Your Parents Listen to about Giving Up Driving?

Safety when driving is a major concern for families of elderly individuals. When seniors continue driving after they should give up their licenses, they can prove to be a hazard to themselves and the other drivers who are sharing the road. The home care professionals at Always Best Care of Rock Hill, serving York, Lancaster, and Chester counties, including the communities Rock Hill, Tega Cay, York, Clover, Fort Mill, Hickory Grove, McConnells, Sharon, Lake Wylie, and other nearby areas, know that this can be a sensitive subject to bring up with your elderly loved one; however, it is an important discussion to have if you believe that your senior needs to give up their keys.

Determining When It Is Time to Stop Driving

In the state of South Carolina, there are no special requirements for older drivers when renewing their license.* With a five-year in-person renewal cycle, individuals looking to maintain their license must only take a vision and knowledge test if they have over five points on their driving record. Additionally, if drivers have not had their license revoked, canceled, or suspended within the last two years, they can renew their license by mail.

Because the state doesn’t have many detection measures in place regarding when it is time for a senior to stop driving, it is largely up to the family to determine when it is time for their loved one to turn over their keys. This decision should be made when you are concerned about the safety of your loved one and other drivers on the road. Impaired vision, slower reflexes, and similar physical issues may contribute to this decision. Additionally, Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss, and other mental concerns could play a part.

Calling Upon the State

If you believe that your elderly loved one’s license should be revoked but you cannot get them to stop driving willingly, you may want to call upon the help of the state. South Carolina can assist in your efforts if you call the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Explain your situation and the DMV’s representative can refer you to the Medical Department. The professionals in this department can guide you through the rest of the process.

The senior care providers of Always Best Care of Rock Hill are dedicated to the safety of elderly individuals. This is particularly true when it comes to driving, as operating a motor vehicle can prove exceedingly dangerous if the driver is not able to do so safely.

*All information about South Carolina driving and licensing regulations taken from Caregiverlist.


We at Always Best Care of Rock Hill are attuned to your needs and equipped with the knowledge and experience to make the transition to elderly care easier on you.  It is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed, which you can find at http://bit.ly/OMRg8X.  If you decide to contact us to assist you care for your senior, we will discuss your needs and capabilities so that the change in their life is handled delicately.  Phil Davidson, the owner of Always Best Care of Rock Hill, awaits your phone call or email, whether it is today or farther down the road.

Phil Davidson
803-329-0079
Email: pdavidson@abc-seniors.com