When did you last look at the road code? Are you sure that you are up to date with all the changes in the rules, signs and road layouts that have been made over the decades since you received your driving licence? Or is your bi-annual assessment for the renewal of your licence due and you need some help to improve your confidence? What are the alternatives if you fail the assessment?
The incidence of medical conditions problems that can affect your ability to drive increases with age include dementia and cardio-vascular issues, visual impairment, mobility problems and slower responses. But being able to drive an important part of being independent and mobile as people age.
For older drivers, requirements for renewing a driver’s licence in New Zealand include a medical certificate for those over 75, and more frequent renewal periods starting at age 80. Options to support safe driving and mobility include taking courses like “Staying Safe,” getting driver coaching, or exploring alternatives to driving such as community transport services and public transport.
One of the services provided by Age Concern Wellington Region (ACWR) is the Staying Safe Refresher Driving Course which aims to assist refreshing and improving driving knowledge and techniques for senior drivers. These workshops are conducted in partnership with Waka Kotahi/ NZ Transport Agency, free to all drivers over 60 years old.
The Staying Safe programme aims to provide evidence-based instruction to help older drivers and road users improve their knowledge about driving and ageing, assess their current driving behaviour and help them adapt better techniques while building their confidence on the roads. The course will also increase their knowledge about other transport options available to help keep them mobile for as long as possible, whether behind the wheel or when they stop driving.
The free interactive workshop runs for around 4 hours, with morning tea and a light lunch provided. Sessions are held at regular intervals and advertised in the ACWR newsletters and Seniority magazine, but spaces at each workshop are limited so please register.
You can find more information for senior drivers including a self-assessment quiz on the NZTA website or on the ACWR website ACWR Staying Safe
But there comes a time when driving may not be an option either due to a decline in confidence or loss of your licence due to one or more of the maladies listed above. Adjusting to this change in circumstances can be difficult, especially to those who valued their independence. Even the offer from a friend or relative to provide an alternative like driving you to your appointment may not be acceptable to those who have always driven themselves. So, it may take time to modify past habits and activities.
The options for alternative transport and the various forms of assistance available are varied. In terms of getting around the alternatives range from public transport with the assistance for off-peak travel via the SuperGold card, personal transport offered by family or friends, taxis or ride shares, or Community transport offered offered by some government services and other community organisations.
For the more active seniors there is the choice of walking, cycling (personal or electrically powered) or even mobility scooting. Some forms of mobility scooters can be folded and stored in the hold of aircraft if flying is your mode of travel.
“Life without a Car” is a useful booklet, available from ACWR listing these alternatives. It also sets out the annual costs of running a small car ($4,300 per annum not including parking costs or depreciation) which is the money that can be saved using other transport options.
The booklet which is produced in conjunction with Driving Miss Daisy is available from ACWR or can be downloaded as a pdf from Life Without a Car.