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Senior drivers

Last updated on June 12, 2026

To keep our roads safe, drivers at age 80, 85, and every two years thereafter must have a Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER) completed by their doctor or nurse practitioner.

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Renewing your licence 

In B.C., you must renew your standard driver’s licence every 5 years. Your licence typically expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 6 months before it expires. Learn more about renewing your licence on the ICBC website.

Drivers age 80 and older have additional medical fitness requirements. Keep reading to learn about your driver medical fitness requirements.

Driver medical fitness requirements

At age 80, 85, and every two years thereafter, drivers must have a Driver’s Medical Examination Report completed by their doctor or nurse practitioner.

Individual age-based DMERs are typically sent by mail two months before the driver’s birthday, starting at age 80. All requirements and details are included in that letter.

If you are going to be out of town, you can get your DMER sent to you up to 6 months before your birthday. Please contact ICBC to request an early DMER.

Make sure your mailing address is updated with ICBC. This is how we contact you about your driver medical fitness requirements and outcomes.

When you receive the report form in the mail, please make an appointment with your doctor or nurse practitioner for a driver medical examination. The examination may include checks for:

  • Cognition, for example memory, attention and judgment
  • Eyesight
  • Physical health

It does not include a road driving test.

Ask your doctor or nurse practitioner to complete the report and return it to us. Instructions are on the back.

We must receive the report within the timeline on the form. If we don’t receive it on time, we may cancel your licence until it arrives. If it’s not possible for you to have the report returned in time, contact us as soon as possible for an extension.

RoadSafetyBC will only contact you if we need further information or assessments.

Driver Medical Examination Report costs

The fees to get a DMER completed vary and drivers are responsible for paying for that cost. Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover the cost of an age-based DMER. The fees patients are charged for completing DMERs are not set by government, but by the individual medical practices, often following the recommendations of the Doctors of BC Fee Guide for Uninsured Services.

Government doesn't have the authority to direct private medical offices on setting fees for completing a DMER, but the Doctors of BC recommend that doctors reduce or waive the DMER fee for patients experiencing economic hardship. Drivers in this situation are encouraged to discuss their circumstances with their medical office.

Retiring from driving

Retiring from driving is difficult, but there is help available.

If you retire from driving (or you're no longer eligible for a licence) you can exchange your licence for a free BC Identification card. It includes your photo and the same security features as a driver’s licence. It's accepted anywhere a licence is. Get yours at any ICBC driver licensing office.

Visit for alternatives to driving in B.C:

Scams and misinformation

We don’t contact customers via text about driving infractions or outstanding debt. We also don’t ask customers to confirm their identity or make payments via links in a text message.

In B.C., drivers are not required to stop driving when they turn 80. A Driver Medical Examination Report is not a road driving test, and RoadSafetyBC does not cancel a licence only because someone reaches a certain age. Decisions are based on medical fitness information.

Be cautious of messages, text messages, social media posts or websites that claim senior drivers must immediately retest, pay unexpected fees to keep their licence, or provide personal or financial information through unofficial channels. 

For accurate information, use official RoadSafetyBC and ICBC sources. If you are unsure whether a letter, email or phone call is legitimate, contact RoadSafetyBC or ICBC directly before sharing personal information.

Resources for senior drivers and their families

The following resources provide information for seniors and their families about staying safe on the road, driver self-assessments, medical conditions and safe driving, talking with seniors about driving, driving and dementia, and retiring from driving: