The mandatory practical test has been abolished for the 80+ group, and people will now only have to complete an on-road safety test if it is recommended by the General Practitioner. The GP might clear them without the necessity to take this test. The Land Transport Safety Authority have produced a detailed account of the 'Older Driver Test'- it is Fact sheet 57 in their series on www.landtransport.govt.nz

The fact sheet is also available from the Land Transport Safety Authority, or from the AA. The LTSA also make the suggestion that you have a friend or relative take you through the questions and tests before you actually sit the test itself.

If taking the test it does give you an opportunity to review your own driving performance and discuss with the testing officer any new laws that may have recently come into force. To sit the older driver test you just need to make an appointment.

 Special Conditions

To help drivers maintain their mobility there are provisions that allow for people to hold their licences under special conditions. For example, driving may be restricted to daytime hours, or to a particular area.This means that, rather than being refused a licence altogether, older drivers can still drive within the restrictions that are placed on their licences.

Tips for Safe Driving

• Because people's eyesight and hearing deteriorate it is important to have regular check-ups.
• Plan trips well in advance. It is a good idea to avoid busy periods of traffic or bad weather.
• Fatigue can be avoided by taking frequent breaks and not driving at night.
•  On its own,a relatively small amount of alcohol can slow reactions, reduce concentration and impair judgement. As these skills are already in decline in the older, it is important to be aware of this. The effects of alcohol can be much greater if some types of medication are being used.
• Care should be taken in the choice of medicines by those wishing to drive. Ask your doctor about the effect on driving of medication you may be using.
• Scan the road and allow plenty of time to react to the unexpected.

View local Transport and Travel details.

• Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa
• Katikati
• Te Puke
• Taranaki
• Horowhenua
  

TRANSPORT also often becomes an issue for elderly, especially when people cannot drive. Some assistance may be available for this.

The Total Mobility Scheme provides subsidised Taxi fares to those who have disabilities affecting their mobility. For more information click here

It is part funded by Land Transport NZ and can be accessed through local Total Mobility providers.

For Local information View "Transport & Travel".

• Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa Transport and Travel
• Katikati Transport and Travel
  
• Te Puke Transport and Travel
  
• Taranaki Transport and Travel
  
• Horowhenua Transport and Travel
  

Being able to drive you own car is an important factor in staying independent and being able to participate in community life.

The new requirements for driver licensing are set out below. Sometimes family and friends become concerned about the deteriorating driving ability of some older people. Of particular concern is a person with possible Dementia.

A fact sheet covers "Driving for people with disabilities". Another fact sheet covers Dementia and Driving.This is particularly directed at family members who may be concerned about the possible dementia and declining driving ability of an elderly relative. Full information can be obtained by telephoning the Land Transport Authority Help Desk 0800 822 422.

Under the Total Mobility Scheme administered by Regional Councils, people with serious mobility constraints might qualify for a taxi subsidy of up to 50%.  Here is some further information about the Total Mobility Scheme.
 
Also people with mobility issues affecting quality of life might be eligible for a grant via the NZ Lotteries Board to purchase a mobility scooter.  More information here. 

The Mobility Parking scheme provides a special card which is displayed on the dashboard of a vehicle. Cardholders are entitled to use:

• Accessible car parks (outlined in yellow and displaying the symbol).
• Standard car parks and metered spaces for longer than stated times.
• Time restricted zones e.g. P15, P120 for longer than stated times.

Membership of the scheme is open to people who:

• Are unable to walk and rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
• Rely on mobility devices (e.g. crutches,walking sticks, splints or walking frames) or
• Are unable to walk 200m unassisted because of the nature/severity of the condition.

The Mobility Parking Permit Scheme is run by NZCCS. Further information can be obtained by telephoning 0800-CCS CALL (0800 227 2255) or the local CCS office.

Under the Total Mobility Scheme administered by the Taranaki Regional Council, people with serious mobility constraints might qualify for a taxi subsidy of up to 50%.  They can contact Chris Clarke at Taranaki Regional Council for detailed info. 0800 736 222.  

Total Mobility Bay of Plenty Contact 0800 368 267

Total Mobility Horowhenua area Contact Valda Patton 06 952 2800

There is detailed info about the Total Mobility Scheme on www.transport.govt.nz information for older people
 
Also people with mobility issues affecting quality of life might be eligible for a grant via the NZ Lotteries Board to purchase a mobility scooter.  They can find an application pack at www.grantsonline.co.nz  under the heading individuals with disabilities.
 

Older Drivers

Drivers over 70 generally have good driving habits. However, while older drivers are involved in relatively few crashes, in terms of crashes per kilometre driven they are second only to young drivers.

Unlike young drivers, however, people over 70 are more prone to suffering injuries in collisions.

As we age, reaction times, perceptions (including eyesight and hearing) and judgement deteriorate. This happens to all of us to some extent, no matter how extensive or trouble-free our previous driving experience. Health problems may also affect older people. Extra vigilance is needed to compensate for these changes.

Licence renewal requirements applying from age 75 mean that your health, vision and driving skills are regularly checked, both for you own safety and the safety of other road users.

Turning 75

During the month of your 75th birthday you will need to renew your licence at a driver licensing agent.To renew your licence you need to get a medical certificate (which includes an eyesight test) from a Doctor.

Your renewed licence will be valid for five years or until you turn 80, whichever comes first.

Turning 80

During the month of your 80th birthday you will need to renew your licence again.

Before you apply for your licence, see your Doctor for another medical certificate (which includes an eyesight test).

This time you will also take the older driver practical driving test.

After age 80

You are required to renew your licence every two years once you reach the age of 80. Every time you go to renew your licence, you will need to provide a medical certificate that includes an eyesight test, as above.You will also be required to take the older drive test every two years, on, or shortly after, even numbered birthdays (82,84, 86, etc.).

While fees for individual renewals and tests have increased, the later age and lower frequency at which older drivers are required to renew their licences mean that overall costs have reduced.

The fees pay for computer updating, maintenance of data, licence production, administration and testing.

The Medical Certificate

By obtaining a medical certificate that includes an eyesight test you ensure health factors are not endangering your ability to drive safely. For this reason the certificate should be less than 60 days old when you bring it in to renew your licence.

When making an appointment with your Doctor for the certificate, explain that it is for your driver licence.They will know what is required.

As has always been the case, you will have to pay for your medical certificate yourself. Doctor's fees are a matter between patients and Doctors, but if you feel the fee is too high, you can take the matter up with the New Zealand Medical Association.

Financial help for Travel and Accommodation can be provided by the Ministry of Health in special circumstances.

if you are referred to a hospital specialist or specialist centre some distance away, you may be eligible to recieve travel assistance. The National Travel Assistance Scheme takes some fincancial pressure off patients who need to travel to other regional health services for treatment.

Applicants must meet criteria on the distacne travelled and accomodation but in some cases the scheme can pay up to 100 per cent of claims.

To find out more go to www.moh.govt.nz /travelassistance  

As there are a number of "exclusions" to this scheme, enquiries should be made to the Ministry of Health to check on eligibility.

Check also under "Transport & Travel" sections for Transport options in local areas see below.

• Tauranga/Mount Maunganui/Papamoa
• Katikati
• Te Puke
• Taranaki
• Horowhenua