Driving Requirements for Seniors in Canada

By APFM AdminSeptember 30, 2015

Some people believe that as we age we are more likely to develop health issues that can impact our ability to drive safely, like vision problems. However, not all seniors have conditions affecting their ability to drive.

For this reason, most provinces require additional medical information and more frequent license renewal requirements from seniors to determine whether they are healthy and able to drive safely.

Driving Requirements for Seniors in Canada

Every province has different requirements and expectations for seniors and the rules governing driving can frequently change.

The chart below provides basic information about driver’s license renewal age and frequency requirements by province in 2015:

Province

Age of Renewal

Renewal Frequency

Additional Details

Alberta80Every 2 yearsA medical report form signed by a doctor is required at age 75; 80; and every two years after. There is no charge for the road test if your doctor or Alberta Transportation has requested the test.British Columbia80Every 2 yearsManitobaBased on fitness to driveEvery 5 yearsNew Brunswick65Every 2 yearsNewfoundland and Labrador65AnnuallyMedical required every year.Northwest Territories65AnnuallySubmit an NWT Driver’s Medical Examination Report at age 75; 80 and after age 80, every two years.Nova Scotia64AnnuallyMedical required every year.NunavutBased on fitness to driveEvery 5 yearsReduced fees to renew after age 60.Ontario80Every 2 yearsYou need to book an appointment and attend a renewal session which may require additional testing or medical information before a license is renewed.Prince Edward IslandBased on fitness to drive5 months before the license expiry date printed on the license.Quebec80Every 2 yearsA physician must complete a medical examination report and eye examination report six months before turning age 75 and 80, then every two years after that. In some instances the province may also require a medical report when you turn 70.SaskatchewanBased on fitness to driveEvery 5 yearsYukon65AnnuallyA driver medical report is required at age 70; 75 and 80; then every 2 years thereafter or as required.

What Canadian Seniors Should Expect When Renewing their License

Depending on the province you live in, you may be asked to:

Complete a driver medical examination report
Complete a group education course
Pass a written knowledge test
Pass a vision test
Pass a road test
Undergo a driving record review
Follow up with your family physician and submit additional medical information.

How You Can Prepare to Renew Your License

Ask your provincial motor vehicle office if they offer a fitness to drive handbook, or other handbook for seniors to help you prepare. These guide books will go over the information you need to successfully complete the license renewal process in your province or territory.

If you need to go to the motor vehicle office in person to renew your license remember to bring reading glasses or hearing aids that you may use on a daily basis. As well, ensure you have gathered all the supplementary documentation that you need to submit.

Be prepared to wait and bring along water and a snack in case there are long line ups.

Options for Seniors No Longer Able to Drive

Depending on your health and fitness level you may be able to drive with restrictions. These restrictions often have nothing to do with age.

For example, many Canadians of all ages must wear glasses while driving. Another common driving restriction is being able to drive in the day, but not at night.

Seniors who experience health issues like serious vision problems or cognitive decline may no longer be able to drive. If this is the case for you or a loved one there are a number of options that will help you maintain your independence. Consider looking into:

Taxis
Buses
Ride sharing programs
Specialized transportation services for seniors
Local groups that provide transportation services for seniors, including: home care programs, cancer societies, legion, Lion’s Club, Senior’s Club, Rotary Club, churches

What questions do you have about driving requirements for seniors? How do you or your senior loved ones get around? Share your comments with us below.

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Author

APFM Admin