Introduction: The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA)
“All Canadian provinces and territories have the authority to establish their own driver fitness policies and procedures. All have a medical review board or unit acting in an advisory capacity to the jurisdiction’s licensing body (the Registrar) on medical matters that may affect a person’s fitness …to drive.
“However, in order to support a consistent approach to driver fitness across the country, the provinces and territories agreed to publish CCMTA[1] Medical Standards for Drivers. Although no jurisdiction in Canada is legally required to adopt the CCMTA standards, the majority are adopted by the driver fitness authorities. This achieves a uniformity of standards across Canada which supports both road safety and inter-provincial harmonization.
“With respect to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s[,] see chapter six and please check in with your provincial/territorial driver licencing agency for further guidance on your query.”[2]
Caveat
Readers “…should be aware that fitness to drive is more an issue of the functional effects of any given medical condition rather than just the diagnosis. Depending upon the cognitive functions that are affected, even MCI may be incompatible with driving while moderate dementia may not. Thus, we proceed on a case by case basis because each case is different.”[3]
Alberta
“Alberta Transportation encourages people to drive as long as they can do so safely, regardless of age, however, there are legislated age thresholds at which drivers are required to have a physician complete a medical report before they can renew their driver’s licence. These thresholds are based on research that shows some medical conditions or cognitive challenges are more common at certain ages. These conditions may affect a person’s ability to drive. To ensure road safety, Alberta Transportation reviews the medical eligibility of any Albertan, regardless of age, that may have a medical, physical, or cognitive condition that needs monitoring or further assessment. There is no maximum age for a person to apply for a driver’s licence in Alberta. Rather, eligibility is based entirely on an individual’s ability to drive safely.
“In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, a person who holds or applies for an operator’s licence shall immediately disclose to the Registrar a disease or disability that may be expected to interfere with the safe operation of a motor vehicle.
“In Alberta, a Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators report is required for renewal of driver licence Classes 3, 5, 6 or 7 at age 75, age 80, and every two years thereafter. The same report is required for holders of Class 1, 2, and 4 commercial drivers’ licences every five years until age 45, every two years until age 65, and then annually after the age of 65.
“Alberta Transportation uses the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards for Drivers to establish minimum medical and visual qualifications for safe driving. You can view these standards on the CCMTA website at: ccmta.ca/images/pdf-documents-english/CCMTA-Medical-Standards-2017-English.pdf. Cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s are conditions covered in the CCMTA Medical Standards for driver’s and are monitored by Alberta Transportation. A road test or other functional assessments may be required.
“There are several screening tools that can be used by physicians to identify potential cognitive impairment. The use of these screening tools is not mandatory and physicians have the discretion to select the most suitable test for each patient. In addition, a health care professional may choose to refer an individual of any age for a driving assessment if there are concerns regarding that individual’s fitness to drive safely.
“These assessments include direct observation or measurement of the functions necessary for driving, and may be conducted by an occupational therapist, driving rehabilitation specialist, or through an independent assessment agency. These assessment agencies are private companies and are not affiliated with the Government of Alberta. The assessment results are reviewed by the physician with the patient, and it is left to the physician to determine if results are forwarded to Alberta Transportation for review.”[4]
Service Alberta
John Brownlee Bldg.
10365-97 St.
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3W7
(780)427-2742
Service Alberta Building
710 4th Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0K3
(403)297-6511
Email; Email
British Columbia
“Having a [diagnosis] of MCI or dementia does not mean someone will automatically have their license taken away. The person’s doctor should monitor the progression of the person’s dementia and determine when it’s progressed to the point where they are unsafe to drive any longer and then ideally the doctor should contact the DMV to report. Family members can also make a report and I believe it can be confidential.
“As of March 1, 2018, Road Safety BC will no longer use DriveABLE assessments to assist in determining driver medical fitness. Road Safety BC will begin using the Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) to assess driver medical fitness.
“If a client has been referred to DriveABLE by Road Safety BC, they are still required to complete the DriveABLE assessment within the timeframe specified in their referral letter. Both the DriveABLE Cognitive Assessment Tool and the DriveABLE On-Road Evaluation components must be completed with the results forwarded to Road Safety BC by February 28, 2018. Road Safety BC will not pay for any DriveABLE assessments conducted after February 28, 2018.”[5]
“The Motor Vehicle Act requires the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to determine the medical fitness to drive of every driver in British Columbia, for both the safety of the driver and the public. When appropriate, RoadSafetyBC may request medical information through a Driver Medical Examination Report (DMER) and/or individual functional driving assessments.
“The Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) does not refer to specific medical conditions; however the MVA does set out the following relevant provisions:
- “Section 29 – The Superintendent can require the person to submit to medical and fitness testing.
- “Section 92(a)(i) – Failure to submit to the examination can result in cancellation of the person’s driver’s licence,
- “Section 92(b) – If the person is found unfit to drive by Superintendent, the Superintendent can cancel their driver’s licence.
- “Section 230 – It is mandatory for physicians, optometrists, nurse practitioners and psychologists to report patients to the Superintendent if the patient continues to drive after being warned of the danger.
- “Section 69 – When a person is applying for a driver’s licence, or assisting another person in applying for a driver’s licence, they must not make a false statement, and they must disclose required information.
“When a driver applies for or renews their driver’s licence, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) will ask them if they have any new or ongoing medical conditions to declare. If a driver declares that they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or MCI they would be issued a DMER to be completed by their physician or Nurse Practitioner.
“All reports received about a driver’s medical fitness are assessed on a case by case basis by staff at RoadSafetyBC while referencing the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards with British Columbia Specific Guidelines (the BC Guide).
“The BC Guide is the decision guiding tool used by RoadSafetyBC and is also available as a reference tool for medical practitioners when they are assessing driver fitness for RoadSafetyBC. For each type of medical condition which can negatively affect a person’s ability to drive safely, the BC Guide contains detailed information on how to assess the condition, what thresholds warrant licensing intervention, and guidelines for monitoring conditions. The corresponding section of the BC Guide would be 6 – Cognitive Impairment Including Dementia.
“In general, Alzheimer’s-afflicted drivers would be eligible for a driver’s licence if they complete a medical assessment indicating cognitive functions necessary for driving are not impaired, or, where required, a driving assessment showing the condition does not affect their ability to drive. If the individual has been diagnosed with severe dementia by a doctor, RoadSafetyBC will not generally request further information, and the licence will be cancelled.
“There are a number of screening tools that may be used by health care professionals for assessing an individual’s cognitive function. RoadSafetyBC accepts and considers the results of the cognitive screening assessment of the physician’s choice such as; the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), SIMARD MD, and the Trail Making Test (Trails B). Further, the results of these screening assessments are reviewed in conjunction with all of the information on an individual’s file, including the results of any functional driving assessment, prior to making licensing determinations.
“RoadSafetyBC’s goal is to help people drive as long and as safely as possible, to ensure the continued safety of British Columbia roads, for all road users.”[6]
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
151 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, British Columbia V7M 3H9
(800)663-3051; (604)661-2800
Email link; Email (Road Safety BC)
Manitoba
“Manitoba Public Insurance is responsible for licensing of Manitoba’s drivers; this includes ensuring the safety of our roadways by providing driver licences to only those individuals who meet vision, medical, knowledge, and skill standards in order to operate a particular class of vehicle. If a driver has a medical condition which may affect the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, it is the Corporation’s responsibility to ensure that the driver is properly assessed to determine whether they continue to meet medical standards and therefore are still eligible for a driver licence.
“Section 14(2) of The Drivers and Vehicles Act indicates that drivers must declare when they have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. Additionally, under section 157(1) of The Highway Traffic Act, physicians have a legal obligation to report a driver who, in the physician’s opinion, has a medical condition that may affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. This includes cognitive conditions such as dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease which can, depending on severity and progression, impact a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. When this is the case, section 18(1) of The Drivers and Vehicles Act permits the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to request detailed health information about the driver’s medical condition to determine if the driver meets the established medical standards for driving. Medical information is a key factor in determining driver fitness.
“With respect to cognitive conditions in general, because the severity and progression of these may vary by patient, every case is individually assessed by registered nurses employed by Manitoba Public Insurance. As part of this review, DriveABLE and/or the Driver Assessment and Management Program (DAMP) may be used to assess the impact a medical condition may have on driving. DriveABLE is a research-based, scientific assessment tool that evaluates driving errors related to cognitive impairment and consists of two distinct levels of assessment. The first level is a computerized assessment conducted at a Manitoba Public Insurance office and, if required, a second level which is an on-road evaluation in a specially equipped dual-controlled vehicle. DAMP is two part process where drivers are assessed in-clinic by an occupational therapist and on the road by a professional driving instructor. A report is then forwarded to the Corporation outlining their findings and recommendations for review and consideration. This process is outlined under sections 23.1 through 23.7 of the Driver Licensing Regulation 47/2006.”[7]
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
P.O. Box 6300
(204)985-7000; (800)665-2410; (800)661-6051
Email link
New Brunswick
“There are provisions in the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) under Section 309.1 whereby medical practitioners, nurse practitioners and optometrists are mandated to report to the Registrar any driver that may have a condition that could render them unsafe to operate a motor vehicle.
“Drivers are also asked at application and renewal of their driver licence to respond to a couple of questions one of which asks ‘have you any impairment, disease or condition which could affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle safety?’ This also includes a declaration that the responses provided are correct.
“There are no specific benchmarks mandated in the MVA in determining fitness to drive of a person with a mild cognitive impairment however physicians and regulators rely on tools such as the Canadian Medical Associations (CMA) guide Determining Medical Fitness to Operate a Motor Vehicle and Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standards for Drivers.
“As a rule, once the Registrar is made aware of driver’s condition (MCI, dementia, etc.) we will act based on the physicians recommendation. In some cases, the doctor may indicate that the driver is no longer fit to operate in which case we would request the immediate surrender of their licence. In other instances, the physician will recommend retesting to ensure the driver is still safe to operate and these clients are then referred for testing with the Driver Examiner. If successful, the client can retain their licence but will probably be asked to retest on an annual basis (or possibly more frequent) to monitor the progression of their condition. If, after testing, they have not been able to demonstrate that they can safely operate, they will be required to surrender their licence.”[8]
Department of Justice & Public Safety: Motor Vehicle Branch
Argyle Place
Floor #1
P. O. Box 6000
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1
(506)453-2410
Email
Newfoundland
“Legislation requires physicians to disclose to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles any medical condition that impacts an individual’s ability to drive, including cognitive function.
“Driver’s with cognitive function are put through a series of tests including practical assessments to determine whether they can drive safely.
“The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators’ medical standards are nationally accepted medical standards for driving, and the Highway Traffic Act gives the legislative authority for the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to set the requirements for driving.”[9]
Motor Registration Division
P.O. Box 8710
St. John’s, Newfoundland A1B 4J5
(877)636-6867
Email
Northwest Territories
In brief: “Licences are cancelled when a medical doctor reports a diagnosis involving a cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer’s. We also request a medical and/or a driver’s exam if it is brought to our attention by family members as it is felt that they are likely acting in the best interests of the family member.”[10]
At greater length: “The Northwest Territories’ Motor Vehicles Act does not require any specific testing or evaluations of drivers with diagnoses of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer’s Disease specifically, however medical professionals have a duty under the Motor Vehicles Act to notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles if they have reasonable grounds to believe that a person who is 15 years of age or older is unable to operate a motor vehicle in a safe manner because of a physical or mental disability, or disease. If the Registrar receives notification from a medical professional of this concern or has other reasonable grounds to believe that a person is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle, the individual must undergo a prescribed medical examination and possibly a theoretical or practical driving examination in order to determine if they are fit to drive.
“Under the Driver’s Licence Regulations, the Northwest Territories does adopt National Safety Code 6: Medical Standards for Driver. These standards are intended to provide guidelines to ‘facilitate a consistent approach to driver fitness decision-making by provincial and territorial government driver fitness authorities across Canada.’ For example, the NWT and many other jurisdictions follow these standards by requiring a review of driver fitness for Class 5,6, and 7 drivers at age 75, 80, and every two years over the age of 80. The rationale for this includes well documented functional declines with aging and the fact that aging is also associated with an increased risk for medical conditions such as dementia. These conditions and medications used to treat them may affect an individual’s ability to drive. Commercial class drivers (Class 1, 2, 3, and 4) are also required to undergo periodical medical testing but start at a much younger age due to various factors.
“The Department of Infrastructure is not currently proposing any legislation that would create new driver testing requirements for clients with Alzheimer’s or Mild Cognitive Impairment specifically. [11]
Department of Transportation: Motor Vehicle Division
Road Licensing and Safety Headquarters
4510 50 Avenue
P.O. Box 1320
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories X1A 2L9
(844)368-4698
Email link (broken)
Nova Scotia
“The Registry of Motor Vehicles is governed by the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA). The MVA does not specifically single out any one medical condition, however it does point to certain regulations (Classification of Drivers’ License Regulations) that state driver’s must ‘have no physical or mental impairment, disease, or condition which is likely to significantly interfere with the individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.’ This of course is open to interpretation, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) relies solely on results of medical examinations, and the opinions of medical professionals to determine fitness to drive.
“The MVA itself allows for the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to ask for medical opinions/examinations (Section 280(1)) as well as act (Section 278C(1)(b)) based on that information. The medical opinion of these professionals, in conjunction with National Standards (found [HERE]…:) allows RMV to determine fitness to drive. Many times[,] specialist reports, second opinions, driver evaluation and road tests will also help determine fitness to drive.
“The MVA does not state that the driver must disclose medical conditions, however basic medical questions are asked upon renewal/issuance of any driver’s license. RMV also receives unsolicited reports from the public & family members, as well as doctors & hospitals, although doctors are not required by law to report unfit driver’s to RMV. All concerns are reviewed, although all may not be acted upon.”[12]
Service Nova Scotia: Registry of Motor vehicles
P.O. Box 2734
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K5
(800)670-4357; (902)424-5200
Email; Email link
Nunavut
“With respect to a driver’s medical condition, the Government of Nunavut’s Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) through its Driver’s Licence Regulations (Section 6) adopts by reference NSC (National Safety Code) Standard 6 – Determining Driver Fitness in Canada. …[T]he most recent version …[is] NSC Standard # 6 (March, 2017). [See HERE.]
“To understand the basic process in ‘Identifying drivers who may not be fit to drive,’ please refer to the flow chart on page 23, it is in Part A of this standard. For more details related to Alzheimer’s, refer to ‘Chapter 6: Cognitive impairment including dementia’ starting on page 135, it is in Part B of this standard.
“The basic process in Nunavut is that our Motor Vehicles Division headquarter office in Gjoa Haven would receive a letter from a physician identifying an individual whose cognitive impairment (in this case, showing signs of Alzheimer’s) is at a level that is a public risk and that the individual’s Nunavut driver’s licence should be suspended immediately until further cognitive assessment has been performed and that the individual has been determined to be fit once again to drive. A letter from our MVD-HQ office would be sent to the individual informing him/her that their driver’s licence must be forfeited and that the individual must undergo a medical assessment. [Apart] from further assessment by a specialist in cognitive impairment, we have a medical review officer who would review such cases and may advise our Registrar of Motor Vehicles Division and Senior Driver Examiner if a practical Medical Road Test Assessment has to be conducted by one of our driver examiners. There is no practical road test fee required, as this is for special medical assessment cases.
“As you can see, the attached Standard is quite in-depth. All of the National Safety Code (NSC) Standards can be found on the CCMTA (Canadian Council for Motor Transport Administrators) website,” HERE.[13]
Motor Vehicles Division
1104C Inuksugait Plaza
P.O. Box 1000 Stn 1575
Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0
(867)975-7840
Email
Ontario
Brief Answer:
“Ontario physicians are required by law to report to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles the name, address and clinical condition of every persons sixteen years of age and over, attending upon the medical practitioner for services who in the opinion of the medical practitioner, is suffering from a medical condition that may make it dangerous for the person to operate a motor vehicle.
“Based on the medical information provided by the physician, the medical requirements of the Highway Traffic Act and standards set by the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Council for Motor Transport Administrators, the medial report will be reviewed and the necessary steps will be taken to ensure to safety of all road users.
“If you have questions regarding a specific condition you may refer to the Canadian Council for Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) for further clarification.”[14]
More Information:
“Legislative Authority[:] Medical Reporting by Healthcare Practitioners [–] Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) section 203(1) requires physicians, optometrists and nurse practitioners in Ontario to report to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) patients age 16 or over who have certain medical conditions or visual conditions that may make it dangerous to drive. In addition, physicians, nurse practitioners, optometrists and occupational therapists have the discretion to also report patients who, in their opinion, have a medical condition that may make it dangerous to drive.
“Mandatory Reporting set out in Ontario Highway Traffic Act 203(1) [–] Mandatory reporting of patients identified with certain high risk medical conditions, vision conditions and functional impairments or visual impairments extends to physicians, nurse practitioners and optometrists. Optometrists are required to report only conditions pertaining to visual impairment. Details of what must be reported are set out in Ontario Regulation 340/94 s. 14.
“Discretionary Reporting set out in Ontario Highway Traffic Act 203(2) [–] Discretionary reporting of patients who have, or appear to have, a medical condition that may make it dangerous for the person to operate a motor vehicle is permitted for physicians, nurse practitioners, optometrists and occupational therapists. Additional information regarding the mandatory and discretionary reporting requirements can be obtained by visiting http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/medical-reporting-requirements.shtml.
“The Medical Review Process [–] When a report is received MTO may request additional information, suspend the driving privilege, or approve with or without a follow up medical report. When the driving privilege is suspended or additional medical information is required, the ministry sends the individual a letter advising what information is required to reconsider their case. Ontario Highway Traffic Act Regulation 340/94 provides MTO with the authority to take action on the information received. Information regarding Regulation 340/94 can be obtained by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/LAWS/REGULATION/940340?_ga=2.84028496.878973975.1534252208-192461831.1529433984.
“Medical Standards [–] The ministry assess driver fitness against national medical standards developed by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators. These standards are used by licensing authorities across Canada to assess driver fitness and are the basis of the Canada/US medical reciprocity agreement for commercial drivers. These standards stress a functional approach in assessing driver fitness and are in keeping with current ministry policies and procedures. Information regarding the national medical standards can be obtained by visiting the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators website at http://ccmta.ca/en.
“Driver’s Licence Renewal [–]
All drivers are required to disclose medical conditions when renewing a driver licence. If additional medical information is required MTO sends the individual a letter advising what information is required to reconsider their case.
“Senior Driver Program [–] To ensure that seniors are able to drive safely, MTO requires those aged 80 and above to periodically fulfill a number of licence renewal requirements under Ontario’s 80 and Over Senior Driver’s Licence Renewal Program. Every two years, senior drivers are required to:
- “Take a vision test;
- “Undergo a driver record review;
- “Attend a group education session (GES); and,
- “Complete two brief, non-computerized in-class cognitive screening assignments (the Clock Drawing Test and the Letter Cancellation Test).
“If deemed necessary, based on the results of the in-class screening component and driver record review, a senior driver may also be required to pass a road test prior to renewal or submit additional medical information to MTO through their physician.
“While there are a number of scenarios under the senior renewal program that could necessitate a road test or medical requirement, all drivers that have accumulated demerit points on their driver record within the past two years will be required to fulfill one of these two components.”[15]
Ministry of Transportation
77 Wellesley Street West
Ferguson Block, 3rd Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Z8
(800)387-3445; (416)235-2999; (416)327-9200
Email link
Prince Edward Island
“PEI Highway Traffic Act follows the most recent edition of the Medical Standards for Drivers published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) for any driver that might have a medical condition that effects their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s Disease are addressed in this document. …
“PEI’s Highway Traffic [Act] states the following[:]
“‘70(6) The Registrar may, before issuing a driver’s license or at any time after he has issued the license to a person, require that person (b) to undergo a medical examination or a vision examination and produce a certificate thereof in such form as the Registrar may prescribe to determine whether that person is physically and mentally competent to operate a motor vehicle or any class of motor vehicle; …
“‘71. Issue of driver’s license (1) Subject to this Act and the regulations, upon receipt of an application in the prescribed form for the issue of a driver’s license and, where required, upon compliance by the applicant with subsections 70(4)(5) and (6) and upon being satisfied that (a) the facts stated in the application are true; and (b) on the basis of the medical examination, if any, undergone under clause 70(6)(b), and of the examination, if any, taken under clause 70(6)(c), the applicant is competent to operate a motor vehicle or any class of motor vehicle; …
“‘73. Registrar not to issue driver’s license, where (g) to a person if on the basis of a medical examination undergone under clause 70(6)(b) or of an examination taken under clause 70(6)(c) the Registrar is of the opinion that that person is not competent to operate a motor vehicle; (g.1) to a person who, in the Registrar’s opinion, is medically unfit to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with the most recent edition of the Medical Standards for Drivers published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators; …
“‘264 Suspension, cancellation of unfit driver (1.1) Where the Registrar believes a driver to be medically unfit to operate a motor vehicle in accordance with the most recent edition of the Medical Standards for Drivers published by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, the Registrar may make an order under subsection (1).’”[16]
Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
3rd Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street
P.O. Box 2000
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8
(902)368-5100
Email
Saskatchewan
“The Traffic Safety Act (TSA) Section 41 (e) requires all drivers to disclose any medical condition that may affect their driving ability, this of course would include any dementias. Once the driver self discloses a medical condition, a medical request is sent under TSA section 41(2).
“…[T]here is no benchmark for a driver to surrender the licence at a particular diagnostic benchmark. Physicians, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists and Nurse Practitioners are required to report drivers who, in their medical opinion, are unsafe to drive under the Traffic Safety Act Section 283. Reports of drivers who are diagnosed with dementia are sent to SGI from these medical professionals. Confidential reports, police reports, adjuster reports, etc. are also received and maybe acted on to review a driver’s diagnosis of dementia.
“Once a report is received in the SGI’s Medical Review Unit, the driver’s file is reviewed and a decision is made according to the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Council of Motor Transportation Administrators standards. Each report is reviewed individually and there are variables that are taken into consideration to make the best decision regarding their driving ability.
“At this time there is no legislation that would create new requirements.”[17]
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
2260 11th Avenue
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 0J9
(800)667-8015; (306)751-1200
Email
Quebec
“All Quebec drivers are required by article 95 of the Highway Safety Act to inform the SAAQ of any changes in their health. At each annual payment or in the interview for the replacement of the physical permit they are offered the opportunity to complete the Declaration of illness or impairment.
“Section IX of the Regulation respecting the health of drivers addresses cognitive disorders.
“Both the Highway Safety Code and the Regulation may be consulted through links on the SAAQ website.”[18]
Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Case postale 19600, succursale Terminus
333, boulevard Jean-Lesage
Québec City, Québec G1K 8J6
(800)361-7620; (418)643-7620; (514)873-7620
Email link
Yukon Territory
“In the Yukon, per subsection 17(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act … a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner shall report to the registrar any medical information relative to the health of a person holding or applying for an operator’s licence if the practitioner believes that the condition in relation to which the information is given may adversely affect that person’s operation of a motor vehicle.
“We also have mandatory age based medical reporting that begins at 70, then 75, 80 and every two years thereafter. The medical report …submitted by the doctor has a specific section for “cognitive disorders” and this is where the physician can suggest driving cessation or request for further assessment ie: driveABLE (www.driveable.com)
“The Yukon follows the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrator’s (CCMTA) medical standards… . These standards ensure a national approach to assessing medically at-risk drivers. The section re: cognitive impairment is fleshed out in chapter 6.”[19]
Extra Information:
Yukon Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 2703 (W-22)
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
(867) 667-5315; (800)661-0408
Email
Additional Resources
Determining Driver Fitness in Canada
Notes:
[1] Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
[2] Valerie Todd, Programs Manager, Driver and Vehicles, CCMTA.
[3] Jamie Dow, Conseiller médical en sécurité routière, Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.
[4] TRANS Driver Program Branch, web inquiry.
[5] Lucy Redies, Constituency Assistant to Stephanie Cadieux, British Columbia; citing Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.
[6] Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General; writing in response for Premier John Horgan, the Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance, the Ministry of Transportation, and Ms. Stephanie Cadieux.
[7] Mark MacKeen, Fair Practices Analyst, Community and Customer Relations, Manitoba Public Insurance.
[8] Cynthia Reese, Deputy Registrar, Motor Vehicle Branch, Department of Justice and Public Safety.
[9] Melony O’Neill, Director of Communications, Service NL.
[10] Greg Hanna, Communications Coordinator, Policy, Planning and Communications, Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories.
[11] Melissa Cyr, office of Minister Wally Schumann. Melissa adds: “If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact Wayne Norris, Manager of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Programs with the Department of Infrastructure, at wayne_norris@gov.nt.ca.”
[12] Mike Christian, Senior Program Coordinator, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, Nova Scotia.
[13] James Demcheson, Manager, Motor Vehicle Safety and Inspections, Nunavut.
[14] Rosalia, Medical Review Section, Driver Improvement Office, Ontario.
[15] N.n., Driver Improvement Office, Ministry of Transportation, Licensing Services Branch.
[16] Graham Miner, Dept of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy, Director Highway Safety Division, Prince Edward Island.
[17] Angela Currie, Chief of Staff to Joe Hargrave, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, and Minister Responsible for SGI.
[18] Jamie Dow, Conseiller médical en sécurité routière, Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.
[19] Keeley Davignon, Driver Sanctions Coordinator, Motor Vehicles, Yukon.