Driving for older people
Getting around can become an issue as you get older and your health changes. There are extra requirements for older drivers who want to continue to drive. There are also options if you can no longer drive yourself.
Driving safely
As you get older, you are more likely to have a medical condition or be on medication. Either of these can affect your ability to drive.
Your healthcare provider can give you advice on how your health conditions or medicines could affect your driving.
To help decide if you are still safe to drive, you can complete a self-rating assessment.
Driving self rating assessment — NZ Transport Agency (external link)
You may also wish to take a driving course specifically designed to maintain and improve the driving skills of older people.
Senior driver coaching session — AA (external link)
Staying Safe course — NZTA (external link)
If you or someone you know has dementia, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website has good information about dementia and driving. If you are concerned about someone else's ability to keep driving, the website also has some advice on how to approach this.
Mobility parking
If you have difficulty walking or need help getting around, you may be able to get a mobility parking permit. This will allow you to use mobility parking spaces.
Medical certificate for driving
Once you reach the age of 75 you will need to get a medical certificate from your healthcare provider to renew your drivers license. You will need to repeat this at age 80, then every 2 years.
During your appointment, your healthcare provider may:
- talk to you about your health
- examine you
- test your eyesight.
They will then recommend whether you are:
- medically fit to drive
- medically fit to drive with conditions, such as wearing glasses or contact lenses, a time-of-day restriction or a distance restriction
- medically fit to drive subject to an on-road safety test
- to be referred to a specialist such as an optometrist
- not medically fit to drive — your healthcare provider must let NZ Transport Agency know about this.
If they have concerns about your ability to drive and are unsure whether you should continue, they may refer you for a driver assessment. This will be done by an occupational therapist.
Other transport options
If you cannot drive, there are a other options that will enable you to keep doing the things you want. This does not mean you have to lose your independence or freedom.
Driving and maintaining a car costs a lot of money each year. If you give up your car, the money saved can fund many trips using other kinds of transport such as taxis.
- The SuperGold Card gives you free off-peak public transport as well as other discounts.
SuperGold transport concessions (external link) - The Total Mobility Scheme provides discounted taxi fares if you have difficulty using public transport. Contact your local council or disability support organisation for more information.
- A mobility scooter can be a useful option for getting around your local area. You do not need a drivers licence to use one.
- Some organisations that provide services or events for older or disabled people can pick you up and take you home afterwards. Ask the organisation if they provide this service.
Health appointments
The Hato Hone St John Waka Ora health shuttle is available to take people to and from health or wellbeing appointments. These shuttles are run by volunteers and a donation is appreciated to help cover costs.
To find out about shuttle times in your area and to book a shuttle, call them on 0800 9252 672 (0800 WAKA ORA).