101-year-old man's driver's license renewed

12/24/05 | Sherri Parker

[ccwoman]

Charles City, Iowa. Jess Fiefer age 101 just had his driver's license renewed! Apparently he doesnt have many moving violations or he wouldnt be able to get the needed insurance needed to get your license renewed.

[ccwoman]

What age do you think is "too old" to have a driver's license? Jess does live independently.

[bigsigh]

I'd say require a behind the wheel test over 75 or so. It's not the test questions, it's the reflexes and reaction time that worries me. My dad is 89 and I have no trouble riding with him.

But my 76 year old friends children wrote to DMV and questioned their automatic renewal of her license. They gave her a driving test and she failed badly.

[Jemian]

Note to self: Be careful in Iowa.

[gov_bean_ counter]

Apparently he doesnt have many moving violations

At 101 years of age just how far or fast could one move?

[Jemian]

You are right about the need for a test. My grandmother gave up her license at 90, should have much earlier. It was noted this gentleman lives independently. That may be so, but my grandmother lived independently until age 103. She was not competent enough to drive a car.

[Iowa Granny]

My 93 y.o. Stepdad has a license, with a restriction of a 6 mile radius from his home.

If you come to Iowa I will pinpoint their home on the map so you can avoid it. :>)

[Servant of the 9]

I have a hundred year old cousin who drives and travels extensively.
His reflexes and sight are fine and he has never in 80 years had a ticket.

I have other relatives who should have hung it up at 60.

So9

[Old Flat Toad]

IHMO, Everybody should be subject to a driving test, reguardless of age, disabilities, sex, race or planet of origin. If you can't perform to a minimum level you shouldn't be out there.

[ccwoman]

"At 101 years of age just how far or fast could one move?"

Jess doesn't even use a cane. he does have thick glasses but he must have passed the vision test.

I saw a guy about 80 attempt to paralel park today and that was SCARY!! he ran up on the side walk twice not just bumped over the curb but onto the sidewalk!! Yes, I informed the police.

[Drew68]

IHMO, Everybody should be subject to a driving test, reguardless of age, disabilities, sex, race or planet of origin. If you can't perform to a minimum level you shouldn't be out there

I agree. If one is competent then they should be allowed to drive. Taking away rights at a certain age for no other reason than the subject is now arbitrarily "too old" leaves me uncomfortable. I also don't like the idea of punishing people for crimes they haven't committed. If the man has been driving for 90 years without incident why should he be denied now? If it can be demonstrated that he is a menace on the roads then he should have his license taken away regardless if he is 101 or 25.

[zzen01]

My Dad(Who died 1 year ago today) was an EXCELLANT Driver until the last 2 years of his life(He died of Parkinson's with Diabeates complications). He was restricted to 5miles of his apartment but the State of Iowa should have ended his driving maybe in 2003.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

As long as he checks out fine with me.

I have seen 50 year olds that should not be behind a wheel and 90 year olds that did just fine.