In many places, the conditions for renewing your license as a senior citizen have changed. The former policy that was in place required senior citizens to only take a formal written test in order to renew this license. However, under the conditions of the recent change in legislature, all Ontarians aged older than 80 are required to take a mandatory, in-person screening to determine their eligibility to drive as well.

When the time comes for s senior citizen driver to renew their license, they now need to take a written assessment that involves two separate sections. Each section aims to see if the senior citizen taking the test has any cognitive impairments or deficiencies that affect their ability to drive. In addition to the written exam, drivers are required to take a vision exam, attend an education session with other senior citizen drivers, and undergo a formal review from the Ministry of Transportation.

Every two years, senior citizen drivers will be required under national law to reassess their driving abilities. If a driver happens to fail their bi-annual assessment, it may be required that they take an in-vehicle driving exam

What Is The Process Of Senior Citizen Drivers’ License Renewal?

According to conditions set forth by The Ministry Of Transportation, senior citizen drivers are required by law to undergo a four-part program for getting their license officially renewed.

Part one of the senior citizens drivers license renewal is getting a letter from The Ministry of Transportation in the mail. Senior citizen drivers who are aged 80 or older will likely get the letter approximately 90 business days before the license expires. Receiving this letter is important because it provides the senior citizen driver with everything they need to know about getting their license renewed.

The second step of the process is to call the number provided on the letter and schedule a renewal session.

The next step is to physically attend the senior citizen renewal session. These sessions typically last approximately 90 minutes, and do require the senior citizen to pass a test at the end.

The last step required in the process is to pass the renewal exam. Once you pass, you go to a ServiceOntario building to receive your driver’s license. Once you arrive at the ServiceOntario building, you will be asked to provide your test results and your identification. Then, at the renewal session you will take a test.

Lastly, if you pass the test, you will then need to go to a ServiceOntario center to get your new driver’s license. When you visit the center, you’ll need to bring your test results and an ID.

What Do I Have To Do At The Senior Citizen License Renewal Session?

At the renewal session, you’ll be required to do the following:

All participants must take an eye exam while wearing any prescription glasses or contacts they use while they drive. During the renewal eye exam, The Ministry of Transportation will utilize a screen reader device in order to assess the function of your eyes and the quality of your vision.

Next, you will be required to participate in an education session that involves other senior citizens in the process of renewing their licenses. In this group education session, you will become educated upon any traffic laws that have changed since you were first issued your license. You will learn the effect of aging on driving and eyesight and will be provided with helpful, easy-to-remember tips about staying safe on the road at all times.

After the group education session, you will undergo a screening of your driving record that takes no longer than ten minutes. Depending upon the results of this driving record screening, The Ministry Of Transportation may require that you take a physical road test where you operate a car with a judge beside you. Those who have accrued demerit points on their official driving record will be required to do this, or those who did not successfully complete the written part of the group education meetings.

McKiggan Hebert Lawyers Offers A Free Consultation For Anyone Whos Been Involved In A Car Accident

Sometimes, senior citizens who are waiting to have their driver’s license renewed turn to public transportation to get to and from where they need to be every day. These types of public transportation include using a taxi, a public bus, a public transit system or a rideshare vehicle.

Nova Scotia has one of the highest auto accident rates in Canada. As a car accident victim, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. If you have suffered a car accident, or any other type of accident, due to someone else’s negligence, contact McKiggan Hebert Lawyers today for a free consultation.