Senior drivers on the Hibiscus Coast are being reminded by NZTA that they can renew their driver licence up to six months before it expires, allowing ample time to complete the renewal process without added stress.

Karina Morrow, NZTA’s Senior Manager Safer Drivers, emphasised the importance of ensuring a smooth renewal experience.

“We understand how important it is for senior drivers to have enough time to get a medical certificate and, if required by their health practitioner, book a practical driving test. To ensure this process runs as smoothly as possible, we want to make senior drivers aware that they can start the renewal process early. And remember that renewing early won’t affect the new driver licence expiry date.”

Senior drivers are required to renew their licence at age 75, again at 80, and every two years after that.

A medical certificate is needed for each renewal and can be issued by doctors, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners working within their scope of practice.

What Senior Drivers Need to Do

To renew their licence, senior drivers must visit a driver licensing agent in person.

They will need:

• A completed Application for issue or renewal of driver licence (DL1) form
• A medical certificate issued within the last 60 days
• Their current photo driver licence or another acceptable form of identification
• Payment of the $21.50 renewal fee (EFTPOS, credit card, or cash)

In some cases, a doctor may also require a practical driving test.

Two types of assessments may be needed:

• On-road safety test: Evaluates whether the driver meets the minimum safe driving standard.
• Occupational therapist driving assessment: Determines competency in various driving situations, particularly when a medical condition such as a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis may impact driving ability.

For more details on senior licence renewals, visit the NZTA website.

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