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Older drivers should no longer face routine cognitive screening simply because of their age when undergoing medical checks to renew their driver licence.
New guidance for health practitioners says formal cognitive screening should not routinely be used when assessing older people who are otherwise considered physically and mentally healthy.
The change follows more than two years of advocacy by Grey Power NZ with NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), politicians and the medical profession, and a University of Auckland review of evidence on the effectiveness of cognitive testing as a measure of fitness to drive.
Grey Power national president David Marshall says the review found little evidence that routine cognitive screening accurately determines whether an otherwise healthy older person can drive safely.
“For too long, many older drivers have been subjected to routine cognitive tests despite there being little evidence that these tests accurately measure a person’s ability to drive safely,” he says.
However, the change does not mean cognitive testing has been abolished, nor does it remove the requirement for older drivers to undergo a medical assessment when renewing their licence.
Drivers must still provide a medical certificate at age 75, again at 80, and every two years after that.
Health practitioners assess factors including the person’s medical history, physical health, eyesight, memory and thinking when deciding whether they are medically fit to drive.
The new key messages for health practitioners were developed jointly by NZTA, the Ministry of Health, the Royal NZ College of General Practitioners and the Office for Seniors.
Under the guidance, a GP or nurse practitioner can still use cognitive testing where there is a clinical reason for concern, or where they do not have enough information to assess the person’s cognitive health.
If there is uncertainty about whether someone remains safe behind the wheel, an on-road safety test or further specialist assessment may be recommended.
Grey Power is encouraging older drivers to use their regular GP or nurse practitioner for licence renewals where possible, as they are more likely to know the person’s health history.
Marshall says Grey Power will monitor how consistently the new guidance is applied around the country.
