The Province of Ontario, Canada, requires drivers who are 80 years of age and older to undergo a lecture and written test every two years. This policy, based solely on age, is discriminatory; however, the Province initiated an exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Act. This policy also discriminates against seniors who in their life time have never had an at-fault accident or been convicted of traffic offences. The information that forms the rationale for initiating and continuing this policy appears to be based on preconceived and unfounded ideas that seniors are dangerous drivers. In fact, seniors tend to drive less, to be safety conscious and to have fewer accidents than other age groups. In addition to this policy, doctors are required to report to the Ministry of Transport Ontario (MTO) any seniors whose medical condition impedes their ability to drive which ultimately results in suspension or cancelation of drivers’ licences. This practice has validity, but, it creates a form of double jeopardy when combined with the testing of seniors. In another provincial jurisdication drivers age 65 and over are being tested for dementia. The Province of Ontario is reportedly considering the adoption of the same test, another discriminatory practice.

Residents of the Province of Ontario, please support this petition to have the government end the biennial testing of driver 80 years of age and older.