Senior Drivers in Ontario
1. What is the Senior Driver Renewal Program?
2. What is a Group Education Session?
3. How will I know if I need to attend a Group Education Session?
4. When and where do I take these tests and attend the Group Education Session?
5. Do I have to take a road test, too?
6. My English (or French) is not very good. Can I still take the Group Education Session?
7. I have a hearing impairment. How can I participate in the Group Education Session?
8. I spend part of the year outside of Ontario. How do I renew my licence?
10. How does the Senior Driver Licence Renewal Program help me to be a safer driver?
11. Are there other things I can do to improve my driving?
12. Where can I find out more about the licence renewal program?
1. What is the Senior Driver Renewal Program?
The Senior Driver Renewal Program requires drivers aged 80 years and over to renew their licence every 2 years. Once you reach age 80, you must take a vision test, a multiple-choice test on rules of the road and road signs, and take part in a Group Education Session before you can renew your licence. A small number of drivers may also be asked to take a road test to have their driving skills assessed.
2. What is a Group Education Session?
The Group Education Session is a class where a group of about 15 drivers aged 80 and older will receive information about new traffic laws and how aging affects driving, driving tips to help older drivers and a review of road signs. The information will be provided by a trained driving counsellor who will lead a discussion on these topics. You will also be provided with a booklet on senior driver safety. You should plan on spending approximately 3 hours at the session. The group discussion portion lasts about 90 minutes.
3. How will I know if I need to attend a Group Education Session?
As you approach your 80th birthday, you will be mailed a letter and a driver’s licence renewal form 90 days before your driver’s licence expires. Your driver’s licence usually expires on your date of birth. This letter will let you know what you have to do to renew your licence. After receiving the notice, it is important to call your regional scheduling centre to book an appointment. You must also keep your licence renewal form and bring the completed form with you when you attend the Group Education Session.
4. When and where do I take these tests and attend the Group Education Session?
You will be able to take the vision and written test and attend the Group Education Session all in one day at one of the many locations across the province. The whole process takes about 3 to 3½ hours. The ministry will mail you a letter and a licence renewal form 90 days before your 80th birthday. The letter will tell you what you need to do and the phone number to call to book your session. You will need to telephone the ministry to book the session. You can go to the location most convenient for you. Visit the senior driver licence renewal page for more information.
5. Do I have to take a road test?
Road tests are not part of the session. But, if there are indications that you may pose a road safety risk (for example, if you have demerit points on your driver record), you will have to take a road test. Having to take a road test doesn’t mean you will lose your licence. There is no charge for taking the test and you will be allowed to try the test more than once if you are not successful on your first try. The counsellor at your Group Education Session will discuss this with you.
6. My English (or French) is not very good. Can I still take the Group Education Session?
The Group Education Session is only given in English or French. You must be able to speak and understand some English or French to take part. If you do not read English or French very well, you may still attend an English or French session and take the written test in your own language. The ministry has written tests available in 17 languages.
The Senior Driver Education Booklets that are used in the session are available in 9 languages other than English and French. You can print one of these booklets and bring it to the Group Education Session. Click here for booklets in other languages
You can also take the test verbally in English or French. When you phone to book your session, let the scheduling clerk know about your language preference or if you need a verbal test.
Language interpreters are not allowed to attend the session with you.
7. I have a hearing impairment. How can I participate in the Group Education Session?
You may still attend the Group Education Session with the assistance of a qualified sign-language interpreter. You have to arrange for the interpreter, but the ministry will pay for reasonable costs associated with the interpreter. Again, when you call to book your session (with a message relay service), speak to the scheduling clerk about this service. You also have the choice of taking the road test instead of attending a session.
8. I spend part of the year outside of Ontario. How do I renew my licence?
You can renew your licence up to six months before your licence expires. If you plan to be away in the 90 days before your licence expires, you may phone to book your session early. If you cannot take the tests and attend the Group Education before your licence expires, you may be issued a Temporary Driver's Licence.
9. I am 80 years old. Why do I have to take these tests and attend a Group Education Session when younger drivers don’t?
In general, seniors are safe drivers. They are involved in fewer collisions than teenage drivers. However, as we age, we experience physical changes that can affect how well we drive. Ontario statistics show that drivers aged 80 and older who are involved in fatal or injury collisions are more likely to have been driving improperly. Older drivers are also more likely to die from their injuries. The licence renewal program gives seniors information on aging and how to be safer drivers. It also helps identify drivers who may be unsafe and who may need to limit or stop driving.
10 How does the Senior Driver Licence Renewal Program help me to be a safer driver?
For many seniors, being able to drive is an important way of staying active and independent. This licence renewal process is meant to help you drive safely for as long as possible. The vision test helps to make sure your eye glasses for driving are up to date and that you can see clearly when driving. Preparing for and taking a written test helps you to refresh your knowledge of traffic rules and road signs. The Group Education Session can help improve your awareness of driving situations that seniors have the most problems with and how to avoid them.
11. Are there other things I can do to improve my driving?
Yes, there are senior driver improvement programs, such as "Shifting Gears", which are available through safety organizations and various driving schools.
There is more information on the website to help older drivers:
- How’s Your Driving? – warning signs that your driving may be unsafe
- Senior Driver Group Education Curriculum
12. Where can I find out more about the licence renewal program?
For more information, you may visit the senior driver licence renewal web page. You can also complete an online feedback form, or contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free at 1-800-387-3445.
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Last modified: August 05, 2010