The New Driver’s License Renewal Process For Senior Citizens In Ontario

Ontario’s senior driver program applies to all drivers who reach the age of 80 and aims to keep seniors driving for as long as they can safely do so. Previously, senior citizens were required to complete a written test in order to renew their driver’s license. Now, the new renewal process has replaced it with an in-class screening process.

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Benefits of New Renewal Process for Senior Citizens in Ontario

The two primary goals of the new driving renewal process are to streamline renewals for senior citizens and create a more comprehensive plan better capable of screening for potentially unsafe drivers.

Overall, the new process is faster and easier than the previous one. It also includes a more thorough screening methodology designed to better assess each senior citizen’s capabilities on every renewal.

Older drivers need to take more precautions on the road and these regular testing requirements allow them to keep their driving skills sharp and be assured that they are capable drivers.

While the regulations may seem strict, they are designed to save lives.

 

Steps for Undergoing the Driving Renewal Process for Senior Citizens in Ontario

  1. Receive Notice

    Three months before your driver’s license expires, you will be mailed a notice containing instructions on how to complete your driver’s license renewal. Be sure to keep this notice as it will contain the renewal form which has important details like the contact number and address of the local transport authorities. This letter will arrive 90 days before your license expires.

  2. Make an Appointment

    Once you get your form and letter in the mail, you will need to attend a renewal session.

    To book the appointment, you will need to:

    – call 1-800-396-4233 (toll free) or 41-235-3579 (in Toronto)

    – give your driver’s license number

    – Advise about any language barriers

    – Advise whether you require specific accommodations such as a sign-language interpreter

    You will get the date, time and location of your renewal sessions. Sessions are held at 125 locations across the province.

    If you can’t attend that day, you can re-schedule your appointment once. If the next appointment is only available after your driver’s license expires, you can get a temporary permit.

  3. Attend a Renewal Session

    Your renewal appointment will be approximately 90 minutes.

    What to bring to a renewal session:

    – your driver’s license

    – the license renewal form you got in the mail

    – the eyeglasses you use for driving (if any)

    – hearing aids, if you need them

    – a bottle of water (some locations will not have water available)

    – snacks, if you need them

    At the renewal session, you will:

    – take a vision test

    – join others in a 45-minute interactive group education session about new traffic laws, how aging affects driving, tips for older drivers and road signs

    – complete an in-class screening exercise

    – undergo a driving record review

    After the session, you may need to:

    – pass a road test before you can renew your license

    – follow up with your physician and submit medical information

    This will depend on how well you performed on the in-class screening components and a review of your driving record. If you need to see a doctor, you will receive a letter in the mail with further instructions.

  4. Get a New License Card

    After you finish the session and take the required tests, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario Centre to get a new driver’s license card.

    You will need to bring:

    – your written test results

    – original identification that shows your legal name, date of birth and signature

    ServiceOntario will process your test results and renew your license.

Let us know in the comment section below how you feel about the new renewal process.