Keep safe as you age
Be aware of how ageing can affect your driving
As we age, our physical and mental abilities change. Some of those changes – including our vision, hearing and ability to react quickly – can affect our driving.
These changes generally happen very slowly, so it’s important to reflect on your own abilities and notice these changes early to understand if your ability to drive is being affected.
Understand how licence renewal changes as you age
Once you turn 75 there are a few changes to the process for renewing your driver licence.
You’ll be required to present a medical certificate each time you apply to renew your licence, this process is to ensure that you are medically fit to drive safely on the road.
Drivers must renew their driver licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that. Because you’re renewing your licence more often, the renewal fees are lower.
About your medical assessment
To renew your licence past your 75th birthday you will need to visit your doctor to get a medical certificate for driver licence. You will have to pay for the appointment yourself.
During your appointment, tell your doctor the certificate is for your driver licence and your doctor will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight.
Your doctor will then recommend whether you are:
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Medically fit to drive with conditions (e.g. correcting lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction)
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Medically fit to drive subject to an on-road safety test
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Referred to a specialist for further assessment (e.g. optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor)
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Not medically fit to drive.
If your doctor determines that you are not medically fit to drive they must advise the Waka Kotahi NZTA and your licence will expire on your birthday. If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, they will provide you with a medical certificate for a driver licence.
We can help you prepare for an on-road safety test, and to brush up your driving skills before you have an appointment with an occupational therapist for a further assessment. We are here to help.
Before you sit the real test, take a Senior Driving Coaching Session with us to refresh your skills.
AA Members Save $15 on Senior Coaching Sessions*
AA Members Save $15 on their Senior Driver Coaching Sessions. If you’re an AA Member aged over 74 years, you’ll receive a FREE Coaching Session once every two years!
STANDARD PRICE
|
AA MEMBER PRICE
|
AA MEMBER SAVES*
| |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Coaching Session (1hr) Aged 65+ |
$75 |
$60 |
$15 |
|
Coaching Session (1hr) Aged 74+ |
$75 |
$0 |
$75 |
*Terms & Conditions apply. Discounts are not transferrable.