Senior Drivers in Ontario

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.

How does the program support road safety?

With the 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 is required to take a road test?

All drivers are assessed by a trained counsellor. Drivers who have indications that they may pose a road safety risk will be required to take a road test. The counsellor at your Group Education Session will discuss this with you.

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

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 (see Senior Driver: Driving Safety Cycle). 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 numbers to call are:

Southwestern: 1-888-276-7885 or (519) 873-4276
Central: 1-800-396-4233
Eastern: 1-800-701-2171
Northern: 1-800-461-9548 or (705) 497-5436

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. 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 take a road test. The ministry will authorize a DriveTest Centre to conduct the vision, knowledge and road tests. The driver must contact the DriveTest Centre to schedule the road test.

How will drivers who have a hearing impairment participate in the Group Education Session?

The ministry may authorize senior drivers with a hearing impairment to take a road test. The ministry will authorize a DriveTest Centre to conduct the vision, knowledge and road tests. The driver must contact the DriveTest Centre to schedule the 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.

A senior 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 MTO Regional Scheduling Office in their area to make arrangements for their licence renewal. They must take the knowledge and vision tests and the Group Education Session so that they can complete them before their licence expires.

Where can people get more information about the program?

For further information please complete our online feedback form, or contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445.