AA road safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen told 1News that cognitive testing had “long been a contentious issue”. <\/p>\n
“The AA has heard from a number of older drivers in recent years who felt their medical fitness to drive had been assessed inconsistently,” he said.<\/p>\n
“One of the most common concerns raised with us has been that some drivers were asked to complete quite extensive cognitive tests while others were not.”<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/a-man-behind-the-wheel-of-a-car-V4V3EKJSWFDUNINTSQ53POXJIQ.jpg\")
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A man behind the wheel of a car. (Source: istock.com)<\/p>\n
Under the guidance, doctors can still determine whether someone is medically fit to drive, with cognitive screening used if there arre concerns about a person’s cognitive function or if more information is needed to assess their ability to drive. <\/p>\n
Thomsen said the greater clarity and consistency was a “positive development”. <\/p>\n
“Decisions about fitness to drive are important for road safety, but they also have a significant impact on older people’s independence and mobility. Any process should therefore be fair, proportionate and based on an individual’s circumstances rather than age alone.<\/p>\n
“If the updated guidance helps reduce uncertainty and creates a more consistent approach, that will be a good change and likely to be welcomed by many older drivers.” <\/p>\n
The change followed an independent University of Auckland review that found there was not enough evidence to support routinely screening otherwise healthy older adults during fitness-to-drive assessments.<\/p>\n
A little-known change to privacy law could make it harder for families to anonymously raise about\u00a0a\u00a0older loved one’s driving.\u00a0 (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
In New Zealand, driver licences expire when you turn 75, again at age 80, and every two years after that. Drivers must undergo a medical assessment by a doctor or nurse practitioner to renew, which considers physical health, medical history, memory and cognitive function.<\/p>\n
Seniors Minister Casey Costello said this week the changes would help seniors “stay independent, connected and active for longer”.<\/p>\n
“People should be assessed as individuals. A single screening test cannot determine whether someone is safe on our roads,” she said. <\/p>\n
“This is a sensible change that reflects the latest evidence.<\/p>\n
“The updated guidance strikes the right balance, supporting people\u2019s independence with the need to keep everyone on our roads safe.”<\/p>\n