Being able to drive is extremely important for many seniors, as it helps them remain independent and mobile – especially if they live in rural areas.
Despite the years of experience older drivers may have, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says that the fatality rate for a 75-year-old motor vehicle occupant is approximately three times higher than for someone under 25 years. This is because physical and mental vulnerabilities can affect safe driving increase with age.
However, there needs to be a balance between retaining the quality of life for senior drivers and keeping them and others on the road safe. As people age, their bodily and sensory changes become more frequent, meaning they need to renew their driver’s licence more often.
Here are some things senior drivers need to know about licence renewals:
- Your licence will be valid for only two to five years.
- The renewal fees are lower because you’re renewing your licence more often.
- You need to present a medical certificate each time you apply.
- If recommended by your doctor, you will need to sit a 30-minute On-road Safety Test.
Renewing your driver’s licence
If you wish to continue driving you must renew your driver’s licence on or before the expiry date and no sooner than six months in advance.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will send you a driver’s licence renewal pack approximately eight weeks before your licence is due to expire. You can download the driver’s licence application form (DL1), or you can get a copy from any driver licensing agent.
To apply to renew your licence, you need to visit a driver licensing agent in person.
Here’s what you need to take with you when you go in to renew your licence:
- A completed driver’s licence application form
- A current medical certificate issued by your doctor within the last 60 days
- Your current driver’s licence, or other acceptable evidence of identity
- EFTPOS, credit card or cash to pay for your new licence.
Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a temporary licence that is valid for 21 days. Remember to keep this on you whenever you’re driving, until your new licence arrives in the mail. This can take between two to three weeks.
Getting a medical certificate
You need a medical certificate from your doctor if you want to renew your licence past your 75th birthday. When visiting your doctor, let them know that the certificate is for your driver’s licence.
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight. They will then recommend one of the following:
- Medically fit to drive.
- Medically fit to drive with conditions (eg correcting lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction).
- Medically fit to drive subject to an on-road safety test.
- Medically fit to drive if a specialist agrees (eg optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor – your doctor will advise you of the results).
- Not medically fit to drive.
If your doctor decides you aren’t fit to drive, they must let Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency know and your licence will expire.
If they advise you are medically fit to drive, they will provide you with a Medical certificate for a driver’s licence, which you must present when you renew your licence.
Keeping your road knowledge up to date
It’s important to refresh your knowledge of driving and the road rules, so you can stay safe behind the wheel for as many years as possible.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency have free resources for seniors on their website, including:
- A self-driving assessment where you can compare your ability with the requirements for safe driving. There are also suggestions on how you can improve each driving skill that is identified.
- Information on using public transport and alternative transport schemes.
- Information on supporting senior drivers.