Driving and transportation
Stay mobile and get around as a senior. Find information on renewing your driver’s licence, accessible parking permits and other ways to get around besides driving.
Driving
Getting around is important to seniors. Growing older doesn’t mean you have to give up driving. Many older drivers choose to change their driving habits to manage the changes that come with aging.
Courses for mature drivers
If you are an older driver, consider a driving course to manage some of the challenges of driving as you age. The Canada Safety Council is a great resource.
Courses often cover:
- new strategies
- driving rules and regulations
- common causes of collisions
- tips on how to avoid collisions
55 Alive Driver Refresher Course
CAA toolkit for senior driving
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)’s driving toolkit for seniors and loved ones can help you:
- assess fitness to drive under different conditions
- keep your driving confidence as you age
- take concrete steps to modify your driving habits (if needed)
CAA designed the toolkit using its road safety knowledge and expert help from the:
- Canadian Medical Association
- Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
Renew your driver’s licence
An Ontario driver’s licence must be renewed every 5 years.
You can renew your driver’s licence at ServiceOntario centres or online at ontario.ca/renew.
Drivers aged 80 years and up
Once you turn 80, you need to renew your driver’s licence every 2 years. To renew, you will attend a group education session and complete:
- a vision test
- an in-class cognitive screening exercise to assess if more testing is needed
Before you can renew your licence, you may have to:
- pass a road test
- provide additional vision information
- submit medical information
You will learn more about these requirements at your group education session. Plan about 60–90 minutes to complete the vision test and in-class screening.
Learn how to renew your G driver’s licence when you are aged 80 and up.
Driver examination centres
DriveTest Centres run all driver exam services. This includes:
- vision tests
- knowledge tests
- road tests
Accessible parking permit
You can get an accessible parking permit for free if you qualify for one. Here’s how it works:
- you can use it for any vehicle that you are travelling in
- you need to display the permit when the vehicle is parked in a designated accessible parking space
To qualify, your doctor (or one of 6 other regulated health professionals) must certify that you have one of the following:
- limited mobility
- the need for mobility assistance
- severe lung or cardiovascular disease
- the need for portable oxygen
- poor vision
You can apply for either a:
- permanent permit that is good for up to 5 years
- temporary permit that is good for up to 1 year
Get an accessible parking permit.
Do you need to modify your home or vehicle to be more accessible? Go to the “Money and finances” chapter of this guide to learn about the Home and Vehicle Modification Program.
Special licence plate for veterans
The veteran graphic licence plate is available to eligible veterans. Your service must be certified by the Royal Canadian Legion.
To get a Veteran Plate Eligibility Certification:
- visit a ServiceOntario centre
- visit ontario.ca/CustomPlates
- call the Royal Canadian Legion:
905-841-7999 - download the application form
Other ways to get around
When it’s time to stop driving
If you are a mature driver, there may come a time when you will have to think about limiting your driving or stopping altogether. This could be a difficult decision to make. You may fear losing your independence and becoming a burden to others. Here are some tips:
- talk with family, friends and your doctor about your worries
- learn about alternatives to driving in your community
- plan ahead for the time when you may need to cut back and eventually stop driving
Warning signs about your driving
It’s important to recognize the signs that you may no longer be a safe driver.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- Are you nervous behind the wheel?
- Do other drivers frequently honk at you?
- Have you had several fender benders and near misses?
- Do family or friends worry about your driving?
- Do your children trust you to drive the car?
- Do your children let you drive with your grandchildren in the car?
- Have you ever become lost when driving or forgotten where you were going?
Options if you can’t drive
There are many other ways to get around. Here are a few options:
- take public transit (buses and trains)
- use taxis and ride-share services
- ask friends and family members to drive you
- keep your vehicle and have others drive for you
- use a van or bus pick-up from senior residences and other groups
- purchase pre-paid taxi vouchers
- walk
- find volunteer driver services that may be available in your area
Ask for community organizations that provide transportation for seniors
If you need to sell your car
Selling privately
To sell your car privately, you must give the buyer a used vehicle information package (UVIP). Here’s what you should know about the UVIP:
- it contains a description of the vehicle and its Ontario history
- it helps buyers make better informed decisions
- you can order it online or pick it up from a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office
Order a used vehicle information package.
ServiceOntario
Buses and public transportation
Services for seniors and people with limited mobility
Many communities offer bus services and specialized transit services for seniors or people with disabilities. Here’s what you should know:
- these services use smaller vehicles equipped with a lift or ramp for people who use mobility devices (like a wheelchair or scooter)
- some communities may offer fully accessible buses
Examples of specialized services in Ontario include:
Public transit in Toronto and Hamilton
GO Transit is a regional public transit service that serves:
- the Greater Toronto Area
- Hamilton
- communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe
Seniors 65 years and up can:
- save 55% on train and bus rides with a PRESTO card
- buy special rate single-ride tickets and day passes
- access most stations if they use a mobility device or cannot use stairs or steps
GO Transit
Volunteer drivers
Volunteer driving services may be available in your community through: