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How's your driving?
Safe Driving for Seniors
For drivers 80 plus
Ontario's Senior Driver Licence Renewal Program for drivers 80 years of age and older, helps seniors drive safely and be mobile and independent longer.
What happens to my driver's licence when I reach 80 years old?
Drivers aged 80 years or older must renew their driver's licence every two years. To renew your licence, you must pay the applicable licensing fee, complete a vision test, a written test on the rules of the road and signs, and take part in a group education session. Some participants may be required to take a road test.
What is the Group Education Session?
A Group Education Session is 90 minutes long. These sessions give you important information on driver safety. It will also give you the tools to help assess how well you drive, and identify areas where you may be able to improve your driving. It can help reduce the risk of being in a collision. You will be given information on:
- The effects of aging on driving
- Being aware of your own changes that can affect driving
- Ways to compensate for changes
- High-risk driving situations for seniors
- Ways to minimize the risks of a collision
When will I have to take a road test?
A trained counsellor reviews your driving record and your participation in the group education session. Only those who may pose a risk to road safety will need to take a road test.
What is on the written test?
There are multiple-choice questions on the rules of the road, driving situations and traffic signs. If you don't pass the test on the first try, it doesn't mean you lose your licence. You can try the test again to pass.
There is a sample written test that gives you an idea of the questions that will be asked.
You can prepare for the test by studying the latest version of the The Official Driver's Handbook -
Section 2 - Safe and Responsible Driving, and
Section 3 - Traffic Signs and Lights.
Driver's Handbooks can be purchased at any DriveTest Centre, Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing offices, or at bookstores and other retail outlets. The Driver's Handbook is also available on the MTO website.
How will I be notified about my licence renewal?
You will receive a renewal notice by mail up to 90 days before your driver's licence expires. Your notice will tell you the steps to take to renew your licence.
What if I will be out of the province when my licence comes up for renewal?
You can renew your driver's licence up to six months before it expires. If it cannot be arranged for you to attend the group education session or a road test before your licence expires, you may be issued a temporary driver's licence.
Do I take the tests and attend the group session at the same time?
You can complete all the requirements to renew your licence on the same day. It will take about three and half hours to complete. There are many locations across the province and you will be scheduled at a location closest to you.
Where do I make an appointment for the tests and group 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 Ontario
- 1-888-276-7885 or (519) 873-4276
- Central Ontario
- 1-800-396-4233 or (416) 235-3579
- Eastern Ontario
- 1-800-701-2171
- Northern Ontario
- 1-800-461-9548 or (705) 497-5436
Where can I get more information on this program?
If you have questions about your driver's licence or to learn more about the Senior Driver Licence Renewal Program, call the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-387-3445. In Toronto, call (416) 235-2999.
How do I get more information on driving safety?
Contact the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-268-4686, or visit the Senior Drivers section of the MTO website.
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Last modified: March 03, 2009