The Road to Safety: Licensing Policy for Older Drivers in British Columbia

As individuals age they are more likely to develop medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive safety. British Columbia’s population is aging and the increasing proportion of older drivers pose a risk to their own individual and public safety. Descriptive statistics for British Columbia illustrate the risks older drivers present. Policies instituted in three other provinces provide examples of the various policy tools available for managing this issue, and interviews with regulators and researchers supplement the information. Analysis of four policy options concludes that British Columbia should adopt an older driver licensing regime similar to Ontario’s, with in-person screening sessions for individuals at the age of 80, and every two years after.