Seniors experiencing a loss of autonomy
How to know if you can keep driving
Driving is a privilege: you need certain skills, and you must be in good health. After reaching a certain age, you must fulfill additional formalities to show that you still have the capabilities required to keep your driver’s licence.
Form and medical exams
Once you turn 75, you must complete a self-declaration form concerning your state of health and send it to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ or licence bureau). Then, beginning at age 80 and every two years after that, you must have a medical exam and vision test performed by a health professional.
Six months before your 75th or 80th birthday, the SAAQ will send you a letter explaining everything you need to know, including the forms to be completed by the appropriate health professionals.
The SAAQ can impose driving conditions or take away your licence
Following your medical tests, the SAAQ can take away your driver’s licence if your state of health prevents you from driving safely. However, the SAAQ only revokes licences in about 1% of cases.
More often, the SAAQ imposes certain conditions for your driving. For example, it can require you to wear prescription eyeglasses when driving. It can also limit you to driving automatic vehicles.
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The information presented on this page is not a legal opinion or legal advice. This page explains in a general way the law that applies in Quebec. To obtain a legal opinion or legal advice on your personal situation, consult a legal professional.