I ’ m 75 ...
Your senIor
drIv Ing
Jour neY
hoW
lic en s in g
chan g es
as you ag e
What ha ppe n s n oW ?*
dId
You pass
Your
medIcal
exam?
no
I’m 65 or older…
As you plan your retirement from work,
it may also be time to start thinking
about an eventual retirement from
driving. This is a way down the road
for most younger seniors, but taking
stock of your options now means you’ll
be better prepared for the future—
especially if you have a pre-existing
medical condition that may impact
your driving as you age. And if your
health changes in a way that could
affect your ability to drive, you must
disclose it to the government.
I’m approachIng 75…
Shortly before your 75th birthday, you’ll
receive a letter from the government
telling you to arrange for a medical
exam in order to renew your driver’s
licence. Most family physicians can
administer the exam, which tests your
vision, hearing, blood pressure and cog-
nitive ability. It also accounts for your
medical history and cur rent health.
Prepare for the exam by ensuring
your vision prescription is up to date,
and by going for a hearing test, if you
think you need one. And make a habit
of performing simple exercises to aid
your flexibility (essential for shoulder
checking) and mental acuity.
I’m turnIng 80 soon…
The government requires that you
undergo the driver medical exam again
prior to your licence renewal. An exam
is then required every two years after
age 80 (i.e. at 82, 84, etc). If you have
any pre-existing medical conditions,
you may need to go for several exams.
At this point you’ll also want to further
explore your mobility options—so you’re
better prepared to transition out of
driving, if and when the time comes. »
Yes
What did
your doctor
recommend?
RefeRRed foR MoRe
assessMent
RefeRRed foR
Road test
This could include
This may be needed
a computer-based cognitive
assessment, evaluation by
an occupational therapist,
or even a confidential AMA
in-vehicle evaluation. Results
are considered with your
medical information and
driving record by Alberta
Transportation to determine
your fitness to drive. in addition to other medical
or cognitive testing. The
road test is the same one
young drivers must pass
to obtain their licence,
minus the parallel-parking
requirement. There’s no
charge for the road test
if you’re taking it at your
physician’s request.
Was this
assessment
favourable? Did you
pass the
road test?
Yes
no
Do you
want
to try
again?
no
You’ve decided
to RetiRe
fRoM dRiving
Visit a registries
office to have
your licence
changed to Class
8 (photo ID).
Access alternative
mobility options
and continue
to enjoy your
independence.
no
Yes
Yes
Your licence
will be reclassified
to Class 7
You may drive when
accompanied by Class 5-
licenced driver. Register
for another road test if
you wish to do so. You
can take the test more
than once.
Great!
Bring your test
results, plus any other
necessary paperwork,
to an AMA Registries
office and renew your
driver’s licence.
Did you pass
the road test?
no
Yes
*Individual circumstances may vary. Consult your doctor and Alberta Transportation for more information.
AMA InsIder
Fall 2017
45