Elders Education and Supports

Elders Education: Understanding Driving Assessments in British Columbia

For many Elders, driving has been a lifelong responsibility — a way to care for family, support community, and maintain independence. Being asked to complete an Enhanced Road Assessment can feel stressful, confusing, or even frightening.

This page is here to explain what the process involves, why it happens, and what supports may help along the way. The goal is not to rush decisions, but to ensure Elders are treated with dignity, clarity, and respect throughout the process.

What Is the Enhanced Road Assessment?

An Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) is a more detailed driving evaluation used in British Columbia when additional information is needed to determine whether someone can continue driving safely.

The assessment is part of the driver-licensing process overseen by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and may be requested following medical information or safety concerns.

Being referred for an Enhanced Road Assessment does not automatically mean a driver will lose their licence. It is a way of gathering information to support safe, informed decision-making.

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Visit

For many Elders, the process begins during a routine visit with a doctor or nurse practitioner.

During this appointment, healthcare providers may ask questions about:

• Vision or hearing
• Memory or attention
• Reaction time
• Medications
• Recent driving experiences

Healthcare providers are required to consider both personal and public safety. In some cases, they may be obligated to share concerns with RoadSafetyBC or ICBC.

This visit is often the starting point of a process, not the final decision about driving. Asking questions and seeking clarity at this stage can help reduce stress and uncertainty.

What to Expect During the Driving Assessment

An Enhanced Road Assessment looks at how someone drives in real-world conditions. The focus is on everyday decision-making, awareness, and safety — not perfection.

Assessments are typically conducted by trained driving examiners and may take longer than a standard road test. Elders may be asked to drive in a variety of situations, such as intersections, residential areas, or higher-traffic roads.

The purpose of the assessment is to understand current driving abilities, not to intimidate or rush the driver.

Supports That May Help During an Assessment

Preparing for an assessment can help reduce anxiety and make the experience feel more manageable.

Supports that may be helpful include:

• Practice drives ahead of time to build confidence
• Clear explanations of what the assessment involves
• Emotional support from family or trusted community members
• Extra time, clear instructions, or familiar routes where appropriate

Support does not change the outcome of an assessment, but it can make a meaningful difference in how an Elder experiences the process.

Understanding the Bigger Picture: Driving, Responsibility, and Community

In many communities, Elders are not only drivers for themselves, but for others. Driving may be how Elders support family members, attend appointments, contribute to community life, or earn income by offering rides to those who do not hold a valid licence.

Because of this, changes to driving status can affect more than one person. Planning and support are important — not only for the Elder, but for families and communities who rely on them.

Acknowledging this broader role helps ensure decisions are approached with care and understanding.

Transitioning Out of the Car (If Needed)

If an Elder is advised to stop driving  temporarily or permanently, it does not mean independence is lost.

For some, transitioning away from driving happens gradually. With planning and support, many Elders continue to stay connected, mobile, and engaged in their communities through:

• Family transportation planning
• Community or volunteer driver programs
• Adjusted roles that continue to reflect leadership and responsibility

These transitions can be difficult, but they do not diminish an Elder’s value, experience, or contribution.

We’re Here to Support the Process

Navigating driving assessments can feel overwhelming — especially when the process is unfamiliar or emotionally charged.

Support is available to help Elders and families understand what to expect, prepare thoughtfully, and plan next steps with respect and care. No one should have to navigate this process alone.

If you have questions or would like support understanding this process, you’re welcome to reach out for a conversation.

To learn more about our Elders Workshops, please click the link here.