Older drivers to face tougher medical test

Older people will face a tougher medical examination to decide whether they can drive after the road tests for over-80s are scrapped next year, Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said today.

The Government announced yesterday that the driver tests would end in December 2006. The policy was a Labour Party election pledge.

It said drivers would still have to get a medical certificate to renew their licences at 75, 80 and two-yearly intervals after that.

"The medical tests will be more appropriate and they will be toughened up to look at the sorts of issues that impact on over-80s driving," Mr Duynhoven told National Radio.

"Their ability to be on the road will be checked by the doctors with more appropriate tests."

Mr Duynhoven said the unpopular road tests, introduced in 1998, were being scrapped because the regime was not working.

"We saw no change in the accident rate of those over 80, and a considerable amount of distress by those going for licences," he said.

"And often, after a fourth or fifth attempt, they would pass and be back on the road anyway."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday the Government was providing an extra $500,000 to expand the Safe with Age classroom road safety courses, with the aim of reaching about 8000 drivers a year over the next three years.

From July 1, 2007, the Government will provide a 50 per cent subsidy to Safe with Age graduates who want to take a private on-road lesson to improve their driving skills.

- NZPA