Licence renewal for senior drivers is “wildly inconsistent” and Grey Power is asking NZTA to review and align its guidelines.

Drivers must get a medical certificate to renew their licence when they turn 75 and 80 and every two years after that. Some were asked to undergo cognitive tests by their GP.

Grey Power NZ acting president David Marshall says there is no consistency when it comes to how seniors are evaluated by their GP.

“Some GPs conduct routine tests such as eyesight, ask how their patient is feeling, and then sign off the statutory form. At the other extreme, some practices have made a cognitive test [such as the Mini-ACE] a mandatory part of every evaluation.”

NZTA is reviewing the Medical Aspects for Fitness to Drive guidance document and the draft guidelines would go out for consultation later this year.

David says Grey Power wants NZTA to work collaboratively with GPs, advocacy groups and organisations like AA to develop “simpler, transparent guidelines for GPs”.

NZTA national manager regulatory system design Chris Rodney says NZTA relies on medical centres to assess if a person is medically fit to drive.

When a GP doesn't sign it off, they might be referred for an on-road driving test, or an occupational therapist. On-road safety tests are only done in some areas, and there can be a 6-8 week wait.

An occupational therapist visit can cost more than $700.

Late last year, Katikati Medical Centre introduced a mandatory cognitive element when assessing the fitness to drive of those aged 79-plus.

Eddie Bruce, 80, from Tanners Point is concerned after receiving a one-year driver’s licence validity rather than two as he has not done well in the cognitive element.

Eddie was given a SIMARD MD test which involved tasks in word memory, number conversion and verbal fluency.

He had to return for a retest, which was the Mini ACE - a test that evaluates orientation, memory, language and visuospatial function.

Eddie Bruce has spoken to many seniors who are stressed out at the licence renewal process due to the possible cognitive testing element.

Eddie says the medical centres have no idea how stressed out older people are when it comes time to renew because of the cognitive element.

“If they realised the stress they are doing to their patients, they wouldn’t sleep at night.”

He argues the cognitive tests have nothing to do with driving and are unfair.

An on-the-road driving test would be preferable and should be the final word on whether people get their certificate, not a memory test, he said.

David says the renewal process can create “confusion and stress as well as anger as to the way they are treated, potentially losing their licence because they couldn’t remember an address three times during an interview”.

“Many of us have poor memories but are still competent and safe drivers.”

Neuroscientist Dr Kerry Spackman told the NZ Herald in March that the SIMARD MD test did not test the cognitive skills required to drive safely such as motor control, perception skills and reaction times.

It tests things such as word memory, number conversion and verbal fluency - Kerrysaid these relate to general cognitive ability, not driving.

David says he asked NZTA if the tests can be conducted by registered driving instructors but was advised that those instructors don't have the appropriate qualifications.

“With NZTA bringing out draft guidelines in June we hope that this is consultation where we can develop a more uniform and sensible way to assess older drivers nationwide.”

NZTA is reviewing its Medical Aspects for Fitness to Drive document and draft guidelines would go out for consultation later this year.

Chris says that will allow the wider health practitioner community to make submissions on all aspects of medical fitness to drive.

“NZTA will endeavour to make the published version as relevant and useful as practicable as a guide for health practitioners in assessing medical fitness for driving.”

-Katikati Advertiser.