Older drivers - frequently asked questions

What is the process for renewing my driver licence?

You will need to visit a Land Transport New Zealand driver licensing agent and bring the following:

1. a completed Application for renewal of driver licence form. (this form is included in your driver licence renewal pack, and they are also available from any driver licensing agent)
2. your existing photo driver licence or other acceptable evidence of your identity. (For more information see Factsheet 20 Identification for driver licensing)
3. confirmation of your address, such as a recent bank statement. (For more information see Factsheet 20 Identification for driver licensing)
4. A cheque, cash or EFTPOS card to pay for your new licence. (Some driver licensing agents also accept credit cards).

Drivers renewing their licence at 75, 80 and every two years after that also need to bring a Medical certificate for driver licence issued within the previous 60 days confirming they are fit to drive. (see Renewing your driver licence for more information).

Does my driver licence expire on my birthday?

If you are under 75 years of age, the answer is 'No' - unless your licence was issued on your birthday.

However, a driver licence expires on all licence holders' 75th birthday, 80th birthday, and every even-numbered birthday after that (82nd, 84th, 86th etc). Older driver licence holders must renew their licences on or before these birthdays.

The date your driver licence expires is item 4b on the front of your driver licence.

Please note: If you are 75 years or older, Land Transport New Zealand strongly urges you to begin renewing your driver licence several weeks before your licence expiry date to allow time for all the requirements to be completed.

(See Renewing your driver licence and Factsheet 57 for more information.)

What do I do if I've changed my name?

If the name you want on your new licence is different from the name on the documents you have brought in, you will also need one of the following:

• your marriage certificate
• a Dissolution of marriage order
• an original document from Births, Deaths and Marriages, confirming that your name has been legally changed
• A change of name by statuatory declaration, or deed poll of change of name, issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages
• other suitable identification (such as adoption papers).

Please note: When you go to renew your driver licence at 75, 86, 96 etc, you will need to:

• have your photograph taken
• write your signature on an electronic pad.

How much will it cost to renew my licence?

For most people, the cost of renewing their driver licence is $44.30 every 10 years until they turn 75.

If you are turning 75, 80, 82, 84 etc, you will pay an $18.30 renewal application fee (which includes the cost of the driver licence).

If your GP has referred you for an On-road Safety Test you will pay the $18.30 driver licence renewal fee plus a $41.00 older driver test fee - a total of $59.30.

The appointment with your GP to obtain a Medical certificate for driver licence is at your own cost. If your GP refers you for a specialist medical assessment this may also be at your own cost.

(See Renewing your driver licence and Factsheet 57 for more information.)

Why do drivers still have to be medically assessed at 75, 80 and every two years after that?

The older population is unique in that they are subject to unpredictable health and cognitive changes that may affect their ability to drive safely. Around two percent of drivers involved in serious crashes are aged 80 or over - but because of their greater frailty they're more likely to suffer significant injuries and take longer to recover.

What does the medical assessment involve? How long does it take?

During the appointment the GP will discuss your present state of health with you and any conditions which may affect your driving. They will also test your eyesight. The appointment length may vary but could be up to half an hour if the GP is not your usual GP.

What sort of conditions can be imposed? How does the doctor decide these?

The GP can recommend conditions such as corrective lenses, time-of-day restriction, or distance restriction be applied. Guidelines for circumstances in which it may be appropriate to recommend conditions are included in Land Transport New Zealand's Medical Aspects of Fitness to Drive publication.

What if the GP is concerned about my ability to drive?

Where there is a question about a patient's medical fitness to drive, GPs can refer their patient for more specialist medical assessment such as to a gerontologist, optometrist or for an occupational therapist driving assessment.

The results of these assessments are reported back to the GP, to assist them in completing the Medical certificate for driver licence form.

If a patient is medically-fit but a GP has serious concerns about their ability to drive safely, GPs can refer them for an On-road Safety Test.

The diagram below summarises the licence renewal process for drivers aged 75 and over.

If I’m assessed by my GP as not medically fit to drive, can I get a second opinion?

Yes, you are entitled to seek a second opinion (again, at your own expense). However you cannot renew your licence unless you receive a favourable report. Land Transport New Zealand's Medical Section will take both GPs' opinions into account when making their final decision.

What happens if my health improves later? Can I go back to my doctor to be re-assessed?

Yes, if your circumstances change, you can go back to your GP at any time to have your medical fitness to drive re-assessed.

If I have let my driver licence lapse, can I renew it later if I wish to begin driving again?

Yes, however anyone who does not renew their driver licence within five years of its expiry date will usually have to pass theory and practical tests to regain their licence. If you have let your licence lapse following a failed older driver test (prior to 4 December 2006), or an On-road Safety Test, you will need to sit and pass the On-road Safety Test before you can renew your licence.

What if I drive on a lapsed licence?

If any driver allows their licence to expire but continues to drive, they will be liable for serious penalties (which may include a $400 instant fine, being forbidden to drive and vehicle impoundment for subsequent offences). They also risk having any insurance claims declined.

Who makes the final decision about whether I can drive or not?

Any final decision about an older person's licence status rests with Land Transport NZ.

What happens once I am confirmed medically fit to drive?

The GP will issue a Medical certificate for driver licence. You can then complete the driver licence renewal process by visiting a driver licensing agent, with the following:

• completed Application for renewal of driver licence form
• evidence of identity, such as their existing photo driver licence
• confirmation of address, such as a recent bank statement (details are on the Application for renewal of driver licence form)
• Medical certificate for driver licence issued within the previous 60 days
• the driver licence application renewal fee of $18.30.

The new photo driver licence will then be sent to the mailing address supplied.

How long is a Medical certificate for driver licence valid for driver licence renewal purposes?

The Medical certificate for driver licence must be no more than 60 days old at the time it is presented to the driver licensing agent.

What does the On-road Safety Test involve?

The On-road Safety Test is designed to check that a driver has a good knowledge of the road rules and continues to practice safe driving skills. It takes about 30 minutes to complete and is done in a vehicle supplied by the driver.
A brochure entitled Guide to the On-road Safety Test has more information - drivers can obtain a copy of this publication when they book their test.

If I am referred for an On-road Safety Test what do I need to do?

Drivers who are referred by their GP for an On-road Safety Test will need to book a separate appointment to do this at a driver licensing agent (participating offices of the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA), Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ), Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ) and On Road New Zealand).

A brochure entitled Guide to the On-road Safety Test has more information - drivers can obtain a copy of this publication when they book their test.

How much does an On-road Safety Test cost?

The test fee for the On-road Safety Test is $41.00.

What happens if I fail the On-road Safety Test?

A driver may fail the On-road Safety Test because of a few simple mistakes or small lapses of concentration. The test fee allows you to re-book the test once at no extra charge, however, subsequent bookings will incur an additional fee of $41.00.

If I don't feel comfortable driving any longer - how do I surrender my driver licence?

Any driver wishing to surrender their driver licence should write to Business Support Services, Transport Registry Centre, Private Bag 11777, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442 clearly outlining their intention to surrender their licence, signing the letter and enclosing their driver licence.

For further information call our Driver Licensing Contact Centre on (freephone) 0800 822 422.

How can I help ensure I keep myself and others safe on the road?

When you renew your licence at 75, 80 and two-yearly thereafter, your doctor will check whether you are medically fit to drive. However, you need to ensure your health, skills and knowledge are up to scratch every time you drive - and if they are not, to take action to address any problems.

You could also consider taking a Safe with Age course to refresh your skills and knowledge. Safe with Age is a road safety awareness and road rules refresher course for persons over the age of 55. The free courses are run by local groups, such as Age Concern, and coordinated by Land Transport New Zealand.

For more information see the Keeping Moving guide for older drivers.

Is there any information available for friends and families of older drivers?

Land Transport NZ has developed the free booklet Supporting older drivers in consultation with a range of stakeholder representatives including the NZ Automobile Association, Grey Power, Age Concern and the Royal NZ Returned and Services’ Association. The booklet provides advice on how friends and family members can help older drivers stay independently mobile by whatever means they choose for as long as possible.

Last updated: 23 August 2007