Older Drivers

I am often asked about driver testing, particularly now that some older drivers are being given cognitive testing as part of the mandatory medical evaluation at and after age 80. This is called the SIMARD test and was developed at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

A study by researchers at the University of Florida reports that you may have only had one glass of wine with dinner, but if you’re an older driver (aged 55+), that single serving may hit you hard enough to make you a dangerous driver.

Delores Lewis was required to take the computer based version of the DriveABLE test and failed. The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles directed ICBC to cancel her driver's licence. Reconsideration of this decision was possible if she was able to provide a report from her doctor indicating that she was medically fit to drive. This was provided and Ms. Lewis took the test a second time. The result of the second test indicated that her abilities had declined. Her licence remained cancelled.

I'm nearing my 71st birthday and have received the annual medical form required for all Class 1 license holders over, I believe, age 65. I haven't driven for over a year and have no plans to go back to work even on a part time basis.

I am over 82 and have failed my first road test . However I hope with refresher lessons at driving school to do better next time.

Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for a positive topic to write about!

I heard from both a driving school instructor and a senior on this one, which is the idea that many older drivers take their driving responsibilities very seriously. So seriously in fact, that some choose to stop driving through their own choice rather than because they are forced to.