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Senior Drivers in Ontario 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 October 28, 1996. How did the Senior Driver Renewal Program change? As
part of the government’s Road Safety Plan, the Ontario Ministry of
Transportation introduced Senior Driver Group Education Sessions for
drivers aged 80 years and over. Under the new system, senior drivers must pay the applicable licensing fee, complete a vision test and a knowledge test and take part in a group education session every two years. A small number of drivers may be asked to take a road test to have their in-car skills assessed.
Why
were these changes made?
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 kilometers 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. When
did the new program start? The new program was introduced on October 28, 1996. Because of the two-year renewal cycle, the program was phased in gradually. How
does the program affect road safety? With the new Senior Driver Renewal 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. Who
will be required to take a road test? All drivers are assessed by a trained counselor. Drivers who have indications that they may pose a road safety risk will be required to take a road test. What
type of information is provided to drivers to improve their driving skills
during the group education sessions? 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 What
are the Senior Driver Group Education Sessions Like? 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 are expected to participate. Are
there other measures, which senior drivers can take to improve their
driving? 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. Are
drivers required to complete the knowledge and vision tests and
participate in the Senior Driver Group Education Session on the same day? It is more likely that the vision and knowledge tests will be completed at a different time and place than the group education session. An appointment is not required for the vision and knowledge tests, but is required for 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. An appointment should be made in advance with the local driver examination centre. How will senior drivers who do not speak English be able to participate in the program? The ministry provides knowledge tests in 17 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. How
will drivers who have a
hearing
impairment participate in the Group Education Session? Senior drivers with a hearing impairment may opt to take a road test. How
are senior drivers who spend part of the year outside Ontario
accommodated? 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. How
are drivers notified about their licence renewal? Drivers are 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. Where
can people get more information about the program? If you have any questions, contact your nearest Driver Examination Centre or, call toll-free 1-800-387-3445. In Toronto you may also call (416) 235-2999.
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