Cognitive testing for drivers in Ontario

The Senior Licence Renewal Program

Ontario drivers over the age of 80 must renew their licenses every two years as part of the Senior Licence Renewal program. In April 2014, Ontario's Ministry of Transportation changed the driver's licence renewal process for drivers 80 years and older to include cognitive screening. The tests are designed to identify a driver's ability to recognize objects on the road and how they react to certain situations.

Other elements of the program include:

• A vision test
• An education session
• In-class screening assignments

The entire process will take about 90 minutes. After drivers have completed all components of the licence renewal process, they may be asked to take a road test or submit medical information from their doctor.

The Importance of Identifying Driving Risks

During the early stages of dementia, cognitive driving capacity is usually intact; however, as the disease progresses, the person's ability to drive becomes impaired due to some of the cognitive changes caused by dementia. These changes can affect the person's judgement, reaction times, attention, perception, and planning abilities—all of which are critical to driving.

While effective driver screening methods are in place, additional supports are needed to:

• Ensure that these processes identify at-risk drivers due to cognitive impairment.
• Assist family members who have concerns about a person living with dementia's ability to drive.
• Provide people living with dementia who have lost their licence with opportunities to work through their loss and determine ways for them to remain independent despite not being able to drive.

Why is driving an important issue to discuss?

People living with dementia should be able to remain independent as long as they do not pose a risk to themselves or others—and the loss of their licence can affect their feeling of independence. This feeling of loss can lead to further dependency, depression, isolation, and may impact self-image.

Support is Available

Support through the loss of a driver's license, strategies to remain independent, and information about local resources are available at your local Alzheimer Society.

More useful links and resources

• Primary care providers are invited to visit this resource center for further information regarding driving and dementia.
• Primary care providers can also take this eModule to learn more about driving and dementia.