Time to call time on driving?

When can we know it’s time to get out from behind the wheel due to our age?

For many, giving up driving also means a loss of freedom, independence and connection to family, friends and our community.

There is no legal age limit when it comes to holding a driver’s licence in New Zealand, however mandatory medical checks are required for drivers aged 75 and over.

Doctors can help people decide whether or not they are still capable of driving, but many may avoid this option, Franklin Driving School’s Jane Frew confirms.

“There seems to be a variety of things that can be done, but they can be quite challenging and worrying for older people, and quite expensive as well,” she says.

“A lot of people won’t decide to stop driving themselves as it’s difficult to get around without a car.”

Self-imposed limitations can reduce the risk of accidents without this spelling an end to driving altogether.

“Sometimes there could be a limit on how far they should be driving, such as no more than 20 kilometres from home, and maybe they should avoid motorways, but it could be okay to pop down to the shops, for example.”

As people age, cognitive decline while slower reflexes and hearing and vision loss can all have an impact, increasing the likelihood of accidents occurring.

While there is no substitute for experience, Ministry of Transport data shows those aged 80 and over are the second-highest age group involved in fatal crashes, second to teenagers aged 15–19.

AA research confirms this. Older drivers are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in fatal or serious accidents at intersections, and a report recommends more roundabouts, more right turn support and signs warning about upcoming intersections.

While the government plans to change how New Zealand issues driving licenses, including scrapping practical tests to obtain full licenses, the rules for older drivers will not change.

New Zealand drivers’ licenses expire at age 75, after which medical assessments are needed. Licences expire again at age 80 and they must then be renewed every two years.