Driver's Re-Test and Mature Drivers

Each year about 5,000 BC drivers are required to take a re-test. In situations where you have a medical condition or disability that affects your fitness or ability to drive safely, your drivers licence may be cancelled without taking a re-test.

Download our Driver's Re-test fact sheet. [PDF]

Medical exam

You will be required to take a medical exam when:

  • You are approaching your 80th birthday.
  • Its time to review a previously identified medical condition that may affect your fitness or ability to drive safely.
  • You, a medical expert, police officer or someone else reports a possible or known condition that may affect your fitness or ability to drive safely.

You will receive a Drivers Medical Examination form in the mail if a medical exam is required. Your doctor must complete the form and mail it in.

Drivers re-test

If you have to take a re-test, you will receive notice by mail. When you come for the test:

  • Your vision will be checked.
  • You will take a road signs and signals test and answer a few questions relating to traffic safety.
  • You will take the road test.

The road test

Todays road test is much more comprehensive than the one you probably took many years ago. Your examiner will assess your ability to use the following skills:

  • Observation (e.g., shoulder checks)
  • Maintaining space margins (e.g., following at a safe distance)
  • Speed control (e.g., keeping to posted speeds, appropriate acceleration and deceleration)
  • Steering (e.g., turning)
  • Communication (e.g., establishing eye contact with other drivers)
  • Your ability to perceive hazards
  • Your ability to enter a high-speed roadway

Preparing for your re-test

Theres a lot you can do to prepare for a drivers re-test. If driving is important to you, preparation will increase your chance of success. Here are some of the things you can do:

  • Go to your nearest driver licensing centre and obtain copies of the two guidebooks Road Sense for Drivers and Tuning Up for Drivers as well as the brochure How to Prepare for Driver Licensing Tests. Read these materials and use them as you prepare for your re-test.
  • Take the Practice Knowledge Test.
  • Go to your public library and obtain a copy of the video BC: Safe Drivers Wanted. This video of a road test will show you what to expect.
  • Review the Safety Tips from Driver Examiners.
  • Assess your driving habits and skills.
  • Practice your driving. You may even consider taking a few driving lessons from a professional.

What if I dont pass?

It may seem like it, but its not the end of the world if you dont pass. You will have to turn in your drivers licence, but in most cases, you will be given a learners licence. This means that you can only drive with a licensed, adult driver. In most cases you will be given two more chances to pass your re-exam (you have a total of three chances).

If you dont pass after three attempts, remember that there are alternatives to driving.

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