The AA has called new guidance ending routine cognitive tests for older drivers a "positive development" that will provide clarity and consistency for some of our most experienced drivers.
The new guidance announced on Tuesday said older drivers should not have to undergo routine cognitive screening based on age alone. It said health screening should be used only when there is a clinical reason, and doctors should assess each person's fitness to drive individually.
AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told 1News that cognitive testing had "long been a contentious issue".
"The AA has heard from a number of older drivers in recent years who felt their medical fitness to drive had been assessed inconsistently," he said.
"One of the most common concerns raised with us has been that some drivers were asked to complete quite extensive cognitive tests while others were not."
Under the guidance, doctors can still determine whether someone is medically fit to drive, with cognitive screening used if there arre concerns about a person's cognitive function or if more information is needed to assess their ability to drive.
Thomsen said the greater clarity and consistency was a "positive development".
"Decisions about fitness to drive are important for road safety, but they also have a significant impact on older people's independence and mobility. Any process should therefore be fair, proportionate and based on an individual's circumstances rather than age alone.
"If the updated guidance helps reduce uncertainty and creates a more consistent approach, that will be a good change and likely to be welcomed by many older drivers."
The change followed an independent University of Auckland review that found there was not enough evidence to support routinely screening otherwise healthy older adults during fitness-to-drive assessments.
A little-known change to privacy law could make it harder for families to anonymously raise about a older loved one's driving. (Source: 1News)
In New Zealand, driver licences expire when you turn 75, again at age 80, and every two years after that. Drivers must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor or nurse practitioner to renew, which considers physical health, medical history, memory and cognitive function.
Seniors Minister Casey Costello said this week the changes would help seniors "stay independent, connected and active for longer".
"People should be assessed as individuals. A single screening test cannot determine whether someone is safe on our roads," she said.
"This is a sensible change that reflects the latest evidence.
"The updated guidance strikes the right balance, supporting people’s independence with the need to keep everyone on our roads safe."
According to figures previously obtained by 1News, the number of licensed drivers over 75 has jumped 53% over the past decade, far exceeding the 17% growth in the total licensed driving population. As of April this year, 11,806 people aged 90 held a current driver's licence.
Drivers aged over 80 were the second-highest age group involved in fatal crashes, behind only 15- to 19-year-olds, according to Ministry of Transport data
In May this year, privacy changes were introduced, meaning patients must be notified when information about their driving ability is collected from a family member or a neighbour.
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