Driving Rules Change in Canada: New Eye Test Mandatory for Seniors — See What’s Required Province-by-Province

In one of the most sweeping updates to Canada’s driver licence renewal rules in over a decade, a mandatory vision test will now be required for drivers aged 60 and above, starting November 2025. The new law applies across the country and will be implemented through individual provinces and territories.

Why Canada Is Tightening Vision Rules for Senior Drivers

With an ageing population, Canada now has more older drivers on the roads than ever before. Transport Canada data shows that nearly 1 in 4 licensed drivers is aged 60 or older, and this number is expected to climb sharply by 2030.

Authorities have cited concerns about age-related vision decline, particularly its contribution to preventable accidents in low-light or night-time conditions. Medical experts and safety analysts agree that proactive vision screening could significantly reduce such incidents.

As a result, Transport Canada, working closely with provincial transportation ministries like Ontario’s MTO and British Columbia’s Public Safety department, has finalized a uniform testing protocol to assess seniors’ visual fitness during licence renewal.

What the New Vision Test Involves

From 1 November 2025, all Canadians aged 60 and above will be required to complete a vision screening when renewing their driver’s licence. While minor procedural variations will exist across provinces, the core assessment components will remain consistent.

Key elements include:

• Visual Acuity Test: Measures how clearly a person can see letters on a standard Snellen chart.
• Peripheral Vision Check: Evaluates the ability to detect movement or objects at the sides of the field of vision.
• Contrast Sensitivity Assessment: Tests the ability to see in low-light or glare-heavy conditions.
• Depth Perception Test: Assesses the judgment of distance, crucial for braking, overtaking, and parking.

Those who fail the in-office screening will be referred to a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist for further testing and must provide proof of corrective action before continuing to drive.

Provinces Rolling Out the Test and Fee Details

Although the policy is federal, its implementation will vary by province, with a staggered rollout planned through November 2025. Here’s how different provinces are preparing:

Province/Territory	Launch Date	Test Location	Additional Fee
Ontario	1 Nov 2025	DriveTest Centres	+$15 processing fee
British Columbia	5 Nov 2025	ICBC Offices	Included in renewal
Alberta	10 Nov 2025	AMA / Registry Offices	+$10 testing fee
Quebec	12 Nov 2025	SAAQ Centres	+$12 renewal fee
Manitoba	15 Nov 2025	MPI Service Centres	No additional cost

These vision tests will be seamlessly integrated into the standard renewal process to minimise disruption.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

Failing to take the test, refusing assessment, or skipping follow-up evaluations will result in immediate licence suspension. Authorities have warned that continued driving on an invalid or expired licence could lead to:

• Fines up to $1,000
• Demerit points on your record
• Insurance penalties or policy cancellations

Repeated test failures may also lead to further scrutiny, including medical reports, on-road assessments, or conditional driving licences (e.g. daytime-only).

Expert Views and Public Concerns

Road safety experts have largely welcomed the policy, calling it a forward-thinking move that aligns with global best practices.

Dr. Elaine Mah, a Toronto-based ophthalmologist, explained:

“Many senior drivers don’t realise their vision is deteriorating. Early screening lets us address it with simple measures like updated lenses or cataract surgery before a serious accident happens.”

However, not everyone is convinced. Advocacy groups for elderly Canadians have raised concerns about accessibility in rural or remote areas, where testing centres are sparse. Suggestions include mobile screening units and extended hours to accommodate those with limited mobility.

Comparison: How the Rules Have Changed

Category	Before Nov 2025	After Nov 2025
Vision Testing	Only required at age 80+	Mandatory at age 60+
Test Frequency	Every 5 years post-80	Every renewal cycle post-60
Medical Exam	Optional unless requested	Required after failed vision screening
Licence Renewal Fee	Standard rate	Slight increase in some provinces

The new policy marks a significant shift in Canada’s road safety approach, plugging gaps in early detection.

How Older Drivers Can Prepare

To avoid unnecessary stress or delays, experts recommend that drivers prepare in advance:

• Schedule an eye exam at least a month before your renewal.
• Update your glasses or contact lenses if your prescription has changed.
• Avoid digital screens and get a good night’s sleep before your test.
• Bring your optical prescription or medical proof, if recently updated.
• Be honest about symptoms like glare sensitivity, blurred vision, or trouble reading road signs.

Being proactive will help ensure you pass smoothly and maintain your driving privileges.

Broader Impact on Road Safety

Authorities hope that the vision screening will lead to a noticeable decline in accident rates, especially those involving seniors.

Recent data suggests that drivers with untreated visual impairments are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a crash where they’re at fault.

Insurance companies are also getting involved, with some reviewing premium discounts for seniors who pass their eye tests consistently.

This positions Canada as a leader in preventive road safety reform, and other countries are already watching closely to see if similar policies can be adopted.

Balancing Safety and Senior Independence

While the goal is safety, many seniors worry that these changes could restrict their independence. For many, driving is a lifeline to community activities, medical appointments, and family connections.

Transport Canada has reassured the public that the new law is not meant to take away independence, but to support safe driving for longer by catching vision issues before they become dangerous.

Most age-related vision issues can be corrected easily, allowing older Canadians to keep driving safely and legally for years to come.

(5) Top 5 FAQs for SEO and Reader Clarity

Q1. What is the new vision test rule for senior drivers in Canada starting November 2025?
A: All drivers aged 60 and above will be required to take a vision screening test during their driver’s licence renewal, assessing clarity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and contrast sensitivity.

Q2. Which provinces are implementing the senior driver vision test and when?
A: All provinces will roll out the test in phases. For example, Ontario starts on 1 Nov 2025, followed by British Columbia (5 Nov), Alberta (10 Nov), Quebec (12 Nov), and Manitoba (15 Nov).

Q3. What happens if I fail the vision test or refuse to take it?
A: Your licence may be suspended, and driving without renewal could result in fines up to $1,000, demerit points, and insurance issues.

Q4. How can senior drivers prepare for the eye test?
A: Schedule an eye exam in advance, update your prescription, avoid eye strain, and bring relevant documents to your test appointment.

Q5. Will this new rule affect my licence renewal fee?
A: Some provinces will charge a small additional fee (e.g., Ontario: +$15), while others will include it in the standard renewal cost.