Renewing your driver licence at age 75 and over

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Renewing your driver licence

Your photo driver licence must be renewed on or before the expiry date (your next birthday) shown on your card if you wish to continue driving.

Drivers must renew their licence at age 75, 80 and every two years after that. However changes to the licensing system mean that you may no longer need to sit an on-road driving test to renew your licence.

What you need to do

1. Complete the enclosed Application for renewal of driver licence form. Please read all the details carefully and change anything that might be incorrect, such as your mailing address.
2. Make an appointment with your doctor to get a Medical certificate for driver licence. During your appointment your doctor will discuss your present state of health with you and test your eyesight. He or she will then recommend whether you are:
   • medically fit to drive
   • medically fit to drive with conditions (such as corrective lenses, time-of-day restriction, distance restriction)
   • medically fit to drive but referred for an On-road Safety Test
   • to be referred to a specialist (such as an optometrist or occupational therapist driving assessor) for further assessment - your doctor will advise you of the results
   • not medically fit to drive, in which case your doctor is required to advise Land Transport New Zealand (Land Transport NZ) of this (your licence will expire on your birthday, as indicated on your licence).
3. If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, he or she will provide you with a Medical certificate for driver licence. You will then need to visit a driver licensing agent and bring:
   • your completed Application for renewal of driver licence form
   • your existing photo driver licence or other acceptable evidence of your identity (refer to page 3 of the application form for a full list)
   • confirmation of your address, such as a recent bank statement (details are on page 3 of the application form)
   • Medical certificate for driver licence issued within the previous 60 days
   • the driver licence application renewal fee of $18.30
   • if you are required to sit the On-road Safety Test you will need to pay an additional $41 test fee. For more information the Guide to the On-road Safety Test is available from any driver licensing agent or by calling 0800 822 422.
   
   A new photograph will be taken and your signature recorded when you renew your licence at age 75, 86 and every ten years afterwards.
4. Once you have completed the application process, your new photo driver licence will be sent to the mailing address supplied. The licensing agent will give you a temporary driver licence, to permit you to drive while your new photo driver licence is being produced.

Licence renewal process for drivers aged 75 and over

The On-road Safety Test

If your doctor decides you are medically fit to drive, but is unsure about your ability to drive safely, he or she may issue you with a Medical certificate for driver licence enabling you to renew your driver licence, provided you pass an On-road Safety Test with a testing officer.

You will need to book a separate appointment to do this at a driver licensing agent (a participating office of the NZ Automobile Association, Vehicle Testing New Zealand, Vehicle Inspection New Zealand or On Road NZ). (If you have a Visa or Mastercard, you may book the test over the phone by calling 0800 822 422).

For more information, ask for a copy of the Guide to the On-road Safety Test when you book your test.

Endorsement holders

Any special vehicle (R, F, T, or W) endorsements that you hold will be automatically renewed as part of this renewal procedure. If your driver licence shows employment-related endorsements (P, V, I, O and D), these will be renewed separately - licence holders will be notified before these expire.

Remember

Please make sure that you renew your driver licence on or before the expiry date shown on page 1 of the renewal form and section 4b of your photo driver licence. If you allow your licence to expire but continue to drive, you will be liable for serious penalties (including a $400 instant fine, being forbidden to drive and vehicle impoundment for subsequent offences). You also risk having any insurance claims declined.

Anyone who does not renew their driver licence within five years of its expiry date will usually have to pass a theory and practical test to regain their licence.

Refresh your knowledge

Enrol in Safe with Age - a refresher course for mature road users.

The Safe with Age course is a free classroom based programme presented over four hours. During the course you'll have the opportunity to share your experiences and concerns, as well as re-familiarising yourself with traffic rules and road safety information specific to your local area. You'll also get some useful driving tips, which will help you feel more confident behind the wheel.

As well as a useful workbook and certificate of attendance, Safe with Age participants receive a $30 subsidy voucher that they can use towards a practical coaching and assessment drive with a Safe with Age approved driving instructor. This is a great way to boost your confidence and improve your knowledge and skills.

To find out more, or to enrol, contact any of the following:

• your local Age Concern office (look in your phone book for your local branch)
• your local Road Safety Coordinator at your local council
• your nearest regional office of Land Transport NZ - ask to speak to the Education Advisor (look in your phone book for your local branch)
• the Land Transport NZ help desk:
  (free) 0800 699 000.

More information

For more information, or to locate a driver licensing agent near you, phone (free) 0800 822 422 or visit www.landtransport.govt.nz/licensing/older/index.html

Our contact details

For general enquiries, or more information about Land Transport New Zealand, please email info@nzta.govt.nz.

National Office
Telephone 04 931 8700
Fax 04 931 8701
Level 4, NZ Post House
7 Waterloo Quay
P O Box 2840
Wellington

Help desks
General enquiries 0800 699 000
Driver licensing 0800 822 422

Page created: 9 November 2006