Seniors’ Driver Retesting Programme

Government of Ontario - Feb/1998

Prior to the fall of 1996, drivers reaching their 80th birthday completed an annual vision test, a knowledge test and a road test to retain their driving privilege. This program changed on October28, 1996

As part of the government's Road Safety Plan, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is introducing a new Senior Driver Group Education Program for drivers aged 80 years and over.

Under the new system, senior drivers must complete a vision test and a knowledge test and will take part in a group education session. A small number of drivers will be asked to take a road test to have their in-car skills assessed. The ministry will also be starting a two-year renewal cycle for senior drivers.

These changes will help keep seniors mobile and independent longer, while ensuring that unsafe drivers are identified and appropriate actions taken.

While it is true that senior drivers are involved in fewer collisions compared to younger drivers, it is also true that they are involved in a larger number of collisions compared to the number of kilometres they drive. Some senior drivers have said that the annual road test was very stressful for them. Research and a pilot study conducted in Ontario have shown that a well-developed education session may improve senior drivers' awareness of potential traffic hazards and help them drive more defensively.

The new program was introduced on October 28, 1996. Because of the two-year renewal cycle, the program will be phased in gradually.

With the new Senior Driver Group Education Program, older drivers may be required to complete four components: the knowledge and vision tests, the group education session, and a road test if required.

The Group Education Session will:

· give drivers information on driving

· give them the tools to assess how well they are driving

· outline changes which drivers can make to continue to drive safely

Senior drivers will be able to improve their driving performance. As well, the program will be able to more quickly identify drivers who are at greater risk of being in a collision. Most senior drivers will not be required to take a road test.

All drivers are assessed by a trained counsellor. Drivers who have indications that they may pose a road safety risk will be required to take a road test.

Participants will be given:

· information to make senior drivers more aware of the effects of aging on driving

· information to increase their ability to assess risk factors when driving

· information on trip planning and preparation

· suggestions and strategies so senior drivers can minimize the risk of crashing

The sessions are 90 minutes long, and may have up to 15 participants. The Counsellor will provide information using lectures and pamphlets; there will be questions and answers, and all senior drivers attending will be expected to participate.

There are senior driver improvement programs such as "55 Alive" which are available through safety organizations and various driving schools.

As well, drivers are reminded that they can work at maintaining their driving performance by staying active and healthy. Drivers are also encouraged to check with their doctor or pharmacist whether medication which they are taking may affect their performance. As with drivers of any age, senior drivers should stay alert behind the wheel, and not drive when tired or under a lot of stress.

It is more likely that the vision and knowledge tests will be completed at a different time and place than the group education session. However, in some situations, it may be possible to complete all components of the program on the same day in one location.

The ministry provides knowledge tests in 15 languages, including English and French. When requested by an applicant and approved by the Ministry Driver Examination Centre, drivers may use an interpreter and an oral test may be given. The group education session is available in English and French, and senior drivers who have a valid reason, such as an inability to understand either of these languages, may opt to take a road test.

Senior drivers with a hearing impairment may opt to take a road test.

The ministry currently allows early renewal, up to six months before the driver's licence expires.

An older driver who cannot be accommodated by the ministry in a Group Education Session or a test before the licence expires may be issued a Temporary Driver's Licence.

Drivers will be notified by mail approximately 60 days before their licence expires, and should contact the nearest Driver Examination Centre to make arrangements for their licence renewal. They must take the knowledge and vision tests and book the Group Education Session so that they can complete them before their licence expires.

If you have any questions about this new program, please contact your nearest Driver Examination Centre or, call toll-free 1-800-268-7590. In Toronto you may also call (416) 235-2999.

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