Hamza Bashir, of Glenfield Drive, Middlesbrough, admitted causing Linda Warren's death by driving without due care and attention on October 23, 2014.
The 20-year-old was due to stand trial but changed his plea to guilty when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court.
The court heard the grandmother of seven died in hospital after being hit by a Hyundai driven by Bashir.
The crash happened in Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough.
Bashir, a student, was bailed and will be sentenced on February 22.
A man has admitted causing the death of a 60-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a car.