Senior Drivers

What is the Senior Driver Renewal Program?
The Senior Driver Renewal Program requires that senior drivers, aged 80 years and over, 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 also be asked to take a road test to have their in-car skills assessed.

Why are seniors required to attend a Group Education Session?
This renewal process 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 an 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.

Senior drivers can take programs to improve their driving?
There are senior driver improvement programs such as "55 Alive" which is available through DriveWise Canada.

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 their medication 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?
The vision and knowledge tests will be completed at the same time and place as the Group Education Session. An appointment is required for the vision and knowledge tests and the Group Education Session. When you receive your renewal application in the mail you must contact the MTO Regional Scheduling Office in your area to schedule an appointment. Please have your driver's licence number available when you call. The number to call is:  Central: 1-800-396-4233

To help senior's DriveWise offers Ontario Driver's Handbooks and Learnersprep CD Rom's available for sale in our online store to refresh knowledge before attendance at the group session.

This information is courtesy of the MTO website.