Senior Driver’s Licence Renewal (80 and Over)2026-04-14T17:58:59+00:00
Senior Driver's Licence Renewal (80 and Over)
Starting at age 80, Ontario drivers renew their licence every 2 years instead of every 5. The renewal includes a vision test and a brief cognitive screening exercise. The whole appointment takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
As of February 3, 2025, senior driver renewals can be completed at ServiceOntario centres across the province. Previously, these were only done at group education sessions held at specific locations on specific dates. The new process is faster and more convenient.
About 90 days before your licence expires, the Ministry of Transportation will mail you:
• A renewal application form
• A letter explaining the renewal steps you need to take
• The phone number to book your appointment
If you do not receive the notice, your address on file may be out of date. Update it at ontario.ca/AddressChange or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. You can renew up to 180 days before the expiry date on your current licence.
Drivers 70 and over who have been involved in a collision may also receive a renewal notice with required testing, even before turning 80. The letter will state any tests you must complete within 60 days.
Before your appointment, watch the senior driver educational video at Ontario.ca/SeniorDriver. The video covers:
• The effects of aging on driving (vision, reaction time, hearing, mobility)
• Common rules of the road that may have changed since you last reviewed them
• Tips for safer driving as you age
• What to expect during your renewal appointment
Watching the video is required as part of the renewal process. It is also useful preparation for the cognitive screening exercise. If you do not have internet access, ask a family member or friend to help you watch it, or contact your local library.
Call to book your senior driver renewal appointment:
Toll-free: 1-800-396-4233 Greater Toronto Area: 416-235-3579
Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
When you call, have ready:
• Your driver's licence number
• The renewal notice you received in the mail
• Your preferred ServiceOntario location
• Information about any accommodations you need (sign language interpreter, language support, mobility assistance)
Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy urban areas. Call as soon as you receive your notice. If the only available appointment is after your licence expires, you may qualify for a temporary licence extension.
What to bring:
Your renewal notice and application form
Your current driver's licence
Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you use them for driving
Payment for the $36 renewal fee (cash, debit, or credit)
Optional: A vision report from your optometrist (dated within 6 months) to skip the on-site vision test
During the appointment:
1Vision test. A staff member will use a screen reader to test your distance vision and peripheral vision. If you brought a recent vision report from your eye doctor showing complete results, this is skipped.
2Cognitive screening exercise. A 5-minute clock-drawing exercise (described in the next section).
3Driving record review. A staff member checks your record for collisions, demerit points, or convictions.
4Discussion of next steps. If you pass everything, your renewal is processed. If issues are flagged, the staff will explain what additional steps are needed.
If everything checks out, your renewal is processed at the appointment. You will receive a temporary paper licence on the spot, valid until your new plastic licence arrives in the mail (usually 4 to 6 weeks).
If a road test or additional medical information is required, you will be notified by mail. The staff member at the appointment will explain what to expect.
The Cognitive Screening Exercise Explained
The cognitive screening is a single 5-minute exercise. You will be asked to:
1Draw a large circle
2Put all the numbers inside the circle so that it looks like the face of a clock
3Draw in the hands of the clock to show the time as ten minutes after eleven (11:10)
4Stop when you are done
The form is collected after 5 minutes. The exercise tests your ability to organize visual information, follow multi-step instructions, and remember what was asked. It is not a memory test or an intelligence test.
The exercise is not language-dependent and cannot be taken orally. Instructions are available in multiple languages including English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Urdu, and others. Ask for instructions in your preferred language when you book.
You can practice the clock-drawing exercise at home before your appointment. It is not memorization that gets tested but the ability to plan and execute the drawing. If you struggle with similar tasks at home, talk to your doctor before the appointment.
When a Road Test May Be Required
Most senior renewals do not require a road test. You may be asked to take one if any of these apply:
• You have demerit points on your driving record
• You have been involved in a recent collision
• You have moving violation convictions
• You struggled with the cognitive screening exercise
• A medical condition flagged by your doctor or detected during the appointment raises concerns
If a road test is required, you will be sent for a Class G road test at a DriveTest centre. This is the same road test new drivers take. If you fail, you may be eligible to take it again, take a graduated downgrade to a more restrictive licence (such as G2 or daytime-only), or have your licence cancelled.
Commercial drivers (Class A, B, C, D, E, F, or with a Z endorsement) over 80 must take a road test every year and submit an annual medical examination report. To avoid this, many commercial drivers downgrade to a Class G licence at age 80.
Vision Test Details
The vision test at the appointment uses a screen reader. You will be asked to read letters at distance and demonstrate that your peripheral vision meets the minimum standard for driving.
If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them to the appointment and wear them during the test. Your renewed licence will indicate that corrective lenses are required for driving.
Skipping the on-site vision test: If you visit your optometrist within 6 months before your renewal appointment and bring a complete vision report, you can skip the on-site test. This is useful if you already see your eye doctor regularly. The report must be signed and dated, with full vision test results.
If you fail the on-site vision test, you will be given a form to take to your eye doctor. Get an updated prescription if needed and bring the completed form back. You can then pass the vision portion at the appointment or with a new vision report.
Cost Breakdown
Standard 2-year senior renewalIncludes vision test, cognitive screening, and licence renewal$36
Optometrist eye examFree if you are 65+ (covered every 18 months by OHIP)Free
Class G road test (if required)Set by DriveTest, varies by location~$80
Medical examination report (if required)Cost set by your doctor, often $60 to $150Varies
If You Are Out of Province
Senior driver renewal appointments are not available outside Ontario. If you are a snowbird or otherwise spend time out of province, plan your renewal carefully:
• You can renew up to 180 days before your licence expires
• If you will be away when your licence expires, you may be eligible for a temporary licence extension
• Driving with an expired Ontario licence is illegal in Ontario, and may not be honoured by other jurisdictions
Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 before you leave to confirm your situation and request an extension if needed.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
Get a recent vision exam. Visit your optometrist (free if you are 65+) within 6 months before your appointment. A complete vision report skips the on-site test.
Watch the educational video before your appointment. It is required and prepares you for what to expect.
Practice the clock-drawing exercise at home. It is not graded on artistic skill, but knowing what to expect reduces anxiety.
Bring a family member if you want support. They can wait with you and help you remember what was discussed.
Update your address before booking. Your renewal notice goes to the address on your current licence. If you have moved, update it first.
Be honest about your driving. If you have noticed difficulty with night driving, parking, or highway driving, tell the staff. They can suggest restricted licences (such as daytime-only) that let you keep driving safely.
Arrive early. Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals may need to rebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not pass the cognitive screening? +
Difficulty with the screening does not automatically mean your licence will be cancelled. The staff will discuss next steps, which may include a road test, additional medical information from your doctor, or a downgrade to a more restricted licence (daytime-only, no highway driving). Many seniors continue driving after the screening with appropriate accommodations.
Can I renew online instead of in person? +
No. Drivers 80 and over must renew in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Online renewal is not available for the senior renewal cycle because it requires the vision test and cognitive screening to be completed in person.
What if I do not want to drive anymore? +
You can voluntarily surrender your driver's licence at any ServiceOntario centre. You will receive an Ontario Photo Card in its place if you want to keep a government-issued photo ID. There is no fee to surrender a licence.
Can I challenge a decision to require a road test or cancel my licence? +
Yes. You can request a review through the Licence Appeal Tribunal. Your doctor can also submit medical information that supports your continued ability to drive safely. The renewal staff will explain the appeal process if a decision goes against you.
What happens if my licence expires before I can renew? +
Driving with an expired licence is illegal. If your licence is less than a year expired, you can usually renew without restarting the licensing process, though you may face a small late fee. If it has been expired more than 1 year, you may need to retake some tests. Always book your renewal appointment as soon as you receive the notice.
Are there alternatives to driving if I can no longer renew? +
Yes. Most Ontario municipalities have public transit, accessible transit (Wheel-Trans, ParaBus, etc.) for people with mobility limitations, taxi services with senior discounts, and ride-sharing apps. Some communities have volunteer driver programs through senior centres. The CAA also offers driver retirement workshops to help seniors transition.
