(Newswire.net — May 22, 2019) — Driving makes life so much more convenient, and for some people it’s not something they want to imagine their lives without. There are many, many seniors who continue to drive after 75, and well beyond that too. However, as you age, it is important to remember some things to ensure your safety on the road.
There are certain health conditions that can impede one’s ability to drive. Eyesight and visibility related concerns arise too. And of course, post age 75, you have to go in more frequently to renew your driver’s license.
Renewing your driver’s license after age 75
So you’re turning 75 and are still an active driver who gets behind the wheel and cruises around town. There are some things to keep in mind with regard to your driver’s license, and as long as you have your T’s crossed, you should be just fine.
The first thing to note is that you have to renew your driver’s license at age 75. And then again at age 80, and thereafter, every two years. As you approach 75, you need to make sure you apply for the renewal before the license expires, but no more than six months prior to that date.
You need to provide a medical certificate pertaining to your fitness and ability to continue getting behind the wheel, every time you renew your license post age 75. One good thing is that your renewal fees come down – after all you have to renew more frequently than the under 75 population!
The NZ Transport Agency will send you, by post, a driver’s license renewal pack. This is usually about six weeks before your license is due to expire. You can also download the DL1 form online or get it from a driver licensing agent if you’re choosing to use one to help you with the process. Once you have the form filled out, don’t forget to gather the remaining required documentation. This includes the medical certificate for driver license issued by your doctor (note this should be dated within 60 days of your date of application for renewal of license), your current driving license or any other accepted photo ID, and finally a payment method. This can be a cheque, by cash or EFTPOS card.
You can expect your new license to arrive in the mail in a couple of weeks, and in the interim, you can drive on the temporary three-week license you will be issued after your application is accepted.
Some additional steps may be required
Sometimes, after the age of 75, renewing your drivers license can get a bit more complex, depending on your fitness and any health or age related issues that could hamper driving skills. Be honest and discuss any health issues like diabetes, dementia, Parkinson’s that could impede your ability to drive.
Most important of course, is to make sure you have the eyesight to drive – whether you need corrective lenses or glasses, you must have the right prescription to ensure you’re safe and are cognizant of others’ safety on the road. As you age, your eyes don’t function as well at night, which mean some seniors prefer not to drive at night.
Some 75+ people may be told by their doctor that they need to take the on-road safety test. This is a 30 minute test, administered by a testing officer. The reason for this test is to ensure you still have knowledge of the road rules, are safe to operate and drive a vehicle and are able to follow signs. During the test, the testing officer will direct you to make turns, stop, and any other driving manoeuvres he or she sees fit to test you on, on any road or in whatever traffic situation you find yourself in. Driving safely and following the rules gets you a pass, and the score needed is 80 percent.
On the road driving test
If you have been directed by your physician to take the on-the-road safety test and you’re apprehensive or feeling unsure of your readiness, then it would be a good idea to take a refresher course or session with a driving instructor. A lot has changed since you first got your licence, and bad habits can creep in over the years. Make sure your car is roadworthy and insured beforehand.
You can also read the NZTA’s guide (available on their website) to the on-the-road safety test. You can read up on the road code and take some quizzes to refresh your memory of the rules of the road. There are multiple resources and guides for drivers over the age of 75, and since these are all available online for free, there is absolutely nothing lost in looking them up. Education resources for senior drivers includes videos, a self-assessment rating form that lets you evaluate your driving skills, and even suggestions on the best cars for senior drivers.
The rules are there for your safety
Driving is a skill that requires good vision, fast reflexes and good awareness of the situation around you. Aging does result in losses in some of these skills and abilities and so the increased licence checks are there for a reason. They are there for your safety, and for the safety of everyone else on the road.