FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Changes to licence renewal program will
better flag older drivers who pose risks
O
ntario has enhanced the
driver’s licence renewal
program for motorists 80
years of age and older.
Glen R. Murray, the Ontario Minister of Transportation, says the retooling will better flag those citizens
who could be a risk to themselves
and other drivers while driving.
“Ontario’s senior driver programs
aim to keep seniors driving for as
long as they can safely do so. These
Examples of the test
provided by the Ministry ask
seniors to draw the hands of
a clock onto a circle or put
an ‘X’ through one letter of
the alphabet in a long list of
random letters.
• a vision test
• a driver record review
• n improved, in-class group edua
cation session
• wo short, in-class screening
t
exercises
changes will help seniors stay on the
roads safely with a more streamlined renewal process, while also
better flagging those who shouldn’t
be driving,” said Mr. Murray.
Starting April 21, 2014, drivers
aged 80 and over will no longer
have to complete a written knowledge test. Instead, they will participate in a shorter, simpler renewal
program that includes:
38
The new screening exercises are simple, non-computerized tasks that
help identify drivers who may need
further assessment, such as a road
test or medical review for cognitive
impairment.
Examples of the test provided by
the Ministry ask seniors to draw
the hands of a clock onto a circle or
put an ‘X’ through one letter of the
alphabet in a long list of random
letters.
DIALOGUE • Issue 1, 2014
The Ministry of Transportation
says it has been reviewing this
program to make sure it is using the
most up-to-date tools available to
promote road safety, and effectively
identify senior drivers who may no
longer be safely able to drive.
The renewal session should take
about 90 minutes, which is less
than half the time of the current
process, the Ministry says.
Ontario drivers age 80 and over
must renew their licences every two
years.