Over 80? There are changes to renewing your driver’s licence
Passing tests, knowing when to stop driving are important as people age
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Drivers over 80 years old probably already know that changes have been made to driver’s licence renewal processes and requirements since 2025.
For those approaching 80, here’s what you need to know.
Once they turn 80, drivers in Ontario must renew their licence every two years.
This involves attending a 45-minute education session, passing a vision test and a screening exercise, and paying the renewal fee.
A road test may also be required depending on the other test results.
The group education session will go over road safety rules, any new traffic laws and the effect of aging on driving, along with some helpful tips.
The eye test looks at vision and peripheral vision; and the cognitive test looks for deficiencies that could compromise driving ability.
The cognitive test may involve drawing a clock and then a specific time on the clock; or crossing out all the letter “Hs” on a list of randomized letters.
This helps determine cognitive deficiencies and whether a driver’s capabilities are waning.
Those with demerit points on their driving record, or who had difficulty understanding the written assessment during the group session, will be asked to take a road test.
Drivers should receive a letter in the mail 90 days before their licence expires. The letter will outline next steps. Then they must book an appointment for a renewal session, which lasts about 90 minutes and involves all the tests.
If you pass the test, head over to a Service Ontario centre for your new licence. Be sure to bring test results, eyeglasses, hearing aids and identification.
Full information about the new requirements can be found at ontario.ca.
When to stop driving
Passing the test is one thing. Knowing when to stop driving is another.
According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, you have to continually assess your abilities.
If you display the following traits, it might be time to quit driving:
– slow response times;
– traffic violations;
– taking too much time to reach a destination or not reaching the destination at all;
– driving too slowly or too fast;
– driving through stop signs or red traffic lights;
– stopping at green traffic lights;
– having difficulty merging with traffic; and
– making left hand turns in the face of oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the intersection.
“It can be difficult for anyone to assess their own abilities in a neutral way,” reads a statement at alzheimer.ca.
“That’s why it can help to ask someone you know and trust to give you an honest and forthright opinion – it could be your partner, a good friend or your family doctor.”
Losing the ability to drive is a bitter pill to swallow, for sure. There’s a loss of independence and it forces you to accept help from others.
Other travel options in Wellington County
But it’s not the end of the world. And there are travel options in Wellington County, although somewhat limited without a proper public transit system.
Ride Well offers door-to-door transportation in Wellington County and Guelph. This is a ridesharing service, meaning you may have to share a vehicle with other passengers and stop at other locations on the way to your destination. It operates Monday to Friday, 6am to 7pm.
In December it added accessible transportation options for people in wheelchairs, with walkers and with other mobility aids.
The service is not free, but it can get you to appointments, social functions and shopping.
For more information about Ride Well’s accessible service, or to book a trip, visit wellington.ca/ridewell download the mobile app or call 1-833-900-RIDE (7433).
VON Transportation Services can get you to medical appointments, day programs and other events. It is not free either, but makes use of volunteer drivers to keep costs down. Booking should be done in advance when possible. For more information or to book an appointment, call 519-323-2330.
The Cancer Society also offers drives to appointments for cancer patients and their caregivers. These services are free but must be booked in advance as it relies on volunteers and their availability. Call 519-824-4261 to book an appointment.
There are other services out there and lastly, there are taxi companies in the county as well as Uber.
