Driving and transportation for seniors

For many, driving our own vehicle is the best way to get around. As we age, however, our physical and mental abilities change, and some of those changes – including our vision, hearing and ability to react quickly – can affect our driving.

Beginning at the age of 80, medical exams are required every two years for all drivers, as medical conditions affecting driving are more common as people reach this age. Find out more about driver medical fitness assessments.

If you are no longer eligible to hold a driver’s licence, or you decide to retire from driving and use your driver’s licence as photo ID, you can exchange it for a free B.C. Identification Card.

The Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) is a driving assessment that evaluates a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Drivers with a medical condition that may affect the motor, cognitive, or sensory functions required for driving may be referred to the ERA.

The ERA is administered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) on behalf of RoadSafetyBC, and is conducted in a vehicle you provide. Your ERA appointment can take up to 90 minutes and consists of a pre-trip vehicle orientation, 45 minute on-road drive, and a post-trip review

Learn more about the Enhanced Road Assessment.

Learn about the transportation options available to help get around if you can no longer drive:

• Public transit
• Carpooling and car sharing
• Taxis
• Ferries
• Volunteer driver programs
• Medical travel assistance

• HealthLink BC: Senior drivers
  Information on the Driver Medical Examination Report (DMER) and resources for senior drivers and their families.
• HealthLink BC: Enhanced Road Assessment
  Learn more about the Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA).
• Canadian Automobile Association: Seniors driving
  Toolkit that assesses your driving skills and information on how to adjust your driving habits. 
• ICBC: Tips for senior drivers
  Tips to keep your skills sharp and information on what to do should you choose to leave the driving to others.

• bc211: Helping seniors on the move
  Call bc211 for information about seniors' transportation services.