A new law will require older drivers in Virginia to renew their driver's licenses more often.
Starting Jan. 1, 2015, drivers older than 75 will have to get their licenses renewed every five years. At the time of their renewal, they will also be given a vision screening, which is standard for in-person renewals.
Currently, drivers older than 80 must renew their licenses in person every eight years.
The new law is named after Darren Morrell, a 32-year-old Oakton man who was killed in a crash involving an 85-year-old driver in 2010.
"Darren was on his motorcycle and never had a chance," said his father, David Morrell. "[The driver] did not look. He did not know he hit Darren. People on the street had to stop him from leaving the scene."
Darren's Law also gives the court the option to require older drivers to take a "mature driver motor vehicle crash prevention course" after driving-related offenses.
At least 242 people older than 100 are licensed to drive in Virginia, according to state motor vehicle records analyzed by the News4 I-Team. More than 180,000 licensed Virginia drivers are older than 80.
