Safe at Any Age?
Former Governor Brendan Byrne
Takes a Road Test
On NJN’s Due Process
Sunday, May 2, at 9:30 am

STATEWIDE – This May, NJN’s Due Process explores the value of a formal retesting requirement for driver licenses for seniors, and documents the results of a road test by former Governor Brendan Byrne. Governor Byrne celebrated his eightieth birthday in the same way he marked his seventeenth — by going to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission and taking a driving test. Byrne is concerned that some elderly drivers might not be competent behind the wheel, so he decided to set an example by voluntarily retaking the test for a driver’s license. Due Process airs on NJN on Sunday, May 2 at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm ; rebroadcast on Tuesday, May 4 at 11:30 pm .

In addition to following Governor Byrne as he takes the road test, Due Process features an in-depth discussion of the retesting issue with Sharon Harrington, director of the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission, as well as with a representative from the American Association of Retired Persons and Governor Byrne. New Jersey has no requirement for retesting anyone at any age, unless there is a court order or a physician’s intervention. Only three states require retesting at a certain age, but 22 states have some rules for older drivers, even if it’s simply requiring that they appear in person for a license renewal.

Governor Byrne wanted others to see from his experience that the driving test is painless and reassuring. “I decided to be retested mostly for my own comfort and also to assure my family and law partners that I can still drive safely. Hopefully other people my age will want that reassurance and follow my example,” said Byrne.

Due Process is hosted by Raymond Brown, who practices law in Newark . The program’s senior producer and managing editor is Sandra King, who produces the series and reports the mini-documentaries that open each show. Jeff Friedman serves as executive producer and director. Henrietta Parker is coordinating producer.

Major funding for the Due Process series is made possible by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation with funding from the IOLTA Fund of the Bar of New Jersey. Additional support is provided by NJ Lawyers Diary and Manual.