Aging Population and Driver Licensing: A Policy Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines public policy relating to the licensing of older Canadian drivers. We focus on licence renewal frequency, assessment of driving competence, and the role of medical professionals, insurers, and police in assessing fitness-to-drive. Our evaluation of the current regimes finds shortcomings with respect to cost-effectiveness, equity, transparency, and feasibility. We propose a new elderly licensing regime which includes a two-stage assessment process with an age-based trigger, a mandatory education session, and adoption of graduated delicensing. These reforms will overcome some of the identified weaknesses of the current regime and improve road safety.