Older drivers should no longer face routine cognitive screening based on their age alone under new clinical guidance from health practitioners.
The updated guidance says health screening should instead be used when there is a clinical reason for it, with doctors advised to assess each person's fitness to drive individually.
Seniors Minister Casey Costello said the change followed concerns raised by older drivers and would support seniors to "stay independent, connected and active for longer".
Minister for Seniors Casey Costello told Breakfast cognitive testing should only be applied where there is a need. (Source: Breakfast)
"People should be assessed as individuals. A single screening test cannot determine whether someone is safe on our roads," she said.
Under the new guidance, cognitive screening would still be used if a doctor had concerns about a person's cognitive function or required more information to assess their ability to drive.
Doctors would continue to be responsible for determining whether someone was medically fit to drive.
"Assessments should consider the person’s overall health, physical and cognitive function, medical and driving history, and any safety concerns. They should also draw on the health practitioner’s clinical judgement," Costello added.
The change followed an independent University of Auckland review which examined cognitive testing and driver safety.
The review found there was not enough evidence to support routinely screening otherwise healthy older adults during fitness-to-drive assessments.
While commonly used screening tools could identify signs of possible cognitive impairment, they were found to not be reliable predictors of a person's ability to drive safely.
Costello said maintaining the ability to drive was important for older people wanting to remain independent and connected to their communities, particularly those living in rural areas.
"This is a sensible change that reflects the latest evidence," she said.
"We know that being able to drive is vital for many older people wanting to stay connected and active in their community, particularly in rural areas. The updated guidance strikes the right balance, supporting people’s independence with the need to keep everyone on our roads safe."
The Ministry of Health's advice for clinicians through HealthPathways was updated, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners issued supporting guidance to its members.
Over the past decade, the number of licensed drivers aged 75 and over has jumped 53%, far exceeding the 17% growth in the total licensed driving population, according to figures previously obtained by 1News.
As of April this year, 11,806 people aged 90 hold a current driver's licence, up 40% from 10 years ago.
A driver's licence expires at age 75, again at age 80, and every two years after that.
To renew, drivers must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor or nurse practitioner. The assessment currently considers physical health, medical history, memory and cognitive function.
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