Early licence renewal a convenient option for senior drivers

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is reminding senior drivers that they have the option of renewing their driver licence up to six months before it expires, in order to allow plenty of time to complete the renewal process.

“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 are aware that they can start the renewal process early. And remember that renewing early won’t affect the new driver licence expiry date,” says Karina Morrow, NZTA Senior Manager Safer Drivers. 

Senior drivers are required to renew their driver’s licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that, and need to present a medical certificate when renewing. These can be issued by doctors, registered nurses and nurse practitioners operating within their scope of practice.  

What senior drivers need to do  

• To apply to renew their licence they need to visit a driver licensing agent in person. 
  Find a driver licensing agent in your area  

• They need to take:  

  -     a completed Application for issue or renewal of driver licence (DL1) form 
        Download the application form to renew your driver licence [PDF, 202 KB]  

• a medical certificate issued within the last 60 days 

• their current photo driver licence or other acceptable evidence of identity 
  See the Identification page for more information  

• EFTPOS, credit card or cash to pay the $21.50 renewal fee.  

• They may also need to complete a practical driving test if recommended by their doctor. There are two types of practical tests a doctor may require: 

• On-road safety test, which assesses a driver’s ability to meet the minimum safe driving standard.   

• Occupational therapist driving assessment, which assesses competency in a range of situations and where a medical condition may be a factor in driving (such as post stroke, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, etc). 

More information about renewing from age 75 and over is available on the NZTA website: 

Renewing for seniors 

Resources  

NZTA offers a range of resources for senior drivers renewing their licence and Staying Safe courses run through Age Concern.  

Senior driving resources 

Staying Safe courses available in your area