Driver’s Licence Renewals Made Easier for Ontario’s Seniors
The Ontario government is introducing a more convenient process for renewing driver’s licences for those aged 80 and older, making it easier for seniors to meet mandatory requirements in fewer steps.
Starting February 3, seniors will be able to renew their G- or M-class driver’s licences and complete mandatory vision and cognitive screening assessments in a single visit at select ServiceOntario locations. By the end of spring, the streamlined service will be available at all ServiceOntario locations across the province.
Previously, seniors were required to visit separate locations for vision and cognitive assessments before heading to ServiceOntario for licence renewal, adding time and complexity to the process. Now, with the new system, seniors will only need to book one appointment and visit one location.
Drivers aged 80 and older, who must renew their licences every two years, will receive a renewal notice by mail about 90 days before their licence expires. The notice will include instructions for booking an appointment online or by phone.
“This new streamlined process eliminates the need for seniors to visit multiple locations, cutting wait times, expanding access to essential services, and creating a more inclusive and efficient system across the province,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement.
As of 2022, Ontario had nearly 400,000 drivers aged 80 and older, with around 200,000 senior driver’s licences renewed each year. By 2034, that number is expected to grow to approximately 700,000 senior drivers, making the new system a timely upgrade to address the needs of an aging population.
“Ontario’s seniors deserve a convenient and accessible way to renew their drivers’ licences, ensuring they can stay connected to their communities,” McCarthy added.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to making essential services more accessible while reducing the burden on seniors navigating the licence renewal process.