03/12/2021
LTA EASES LICENSE REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR DRIVERS
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) wishes to advise motorists and the general public that the Authority has reviewed and revised its process for Driver License Renewal in line with Land Transport (Driver) Regulations 2000 to ease requirements for senior drivers.
Previously, any person who had reached the age of 70 years or more was required to take annual driving test in order to renew his/her driver's license.
The Authority’s Board while reviewing this policy on 28th October 2021 has approved in principle for changes to the component of driving test relating to driver license renewal. This revised policy has since been fined tuned for ease of understandability and implementation.
Practical Driving Test will be applicable for different classes of license, where:
i. PSV and Heavy Goods License holders between the age of 70 but less than 80 years of age, requires Driving Test once every 2 years.
ii. Non PSV License holders between the age of 70 but less than 80 years of age require Driving Test once every 5 years
iii. Non PSV License holders above 80 years of age require Driving Test once every 2 years
“As matters currently stand we have approximately 2,772 Fijian license holders that are above the age of 70 and the Authority empathises and understands that maintaining a driver license is critical for our beloved senior citizens as it allows continued self-sufficiency and independence. At the same time, LTA understands that aging brings in unavoidable visual and physical changes which may affect driving performance and their safety is always paramount,” said LTA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa
“This can be hazardous as such conditions result in reduced strength, coordination, and flexibility - all factors that are required to allow a driver to safely control a vehicle.”
“As such, seniors will be required to undergo a practical driving test, which will be conducted on a vehicle of the class matching the license that has been applied for, as well as a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner on an annual basis, to determine whether they are physically and medically fit to drive.”
For individuals that are aged 70 but less than 80, the requirements for the Practical Driving Test are as follows:
i) Driving tests for individuals that hold Class 1, 2, 8 and 9 shall be undertaken every 5 years from the first driving test at the age of 70 years or more. If the individual wishes to renew all classes of licenses, then a driving test on a Class 2 vehicle is satisfactory.
ii) Driving tests for individuals that hold PSV license classes (classes 3, 4 or 5), in addition to classes 6 and 7 shall be undertaken every 2 years from the first driving test at the age of 70 years or more. Driving tests for individuals that hold classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 driver licenses will be carried out in a vehicle with the “highest class”. As such, an individual holding all classes of licenses mentioned for point (ii) will be required to be tested on a Class 6 vehicle.
For individuals that are aged 80 and older, the requirements for the Practical Driving Test are as follows:
i) Driving tests for individuals that hold Class 1, 2, 8 and 9 shall be undertaken every 2 years from the first driving test at the age of 80 years or more. If the individual wishes to renew all classes of licenses, then a driving test on a Class 2 vehicle is satisfactory.
ii) Driving tests for individuals that hold PSV license classes (classes 3, 4 and 5), in addition to classes 6 and 7 shall be undertaken annually. Driving tests for individuals that hold classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 driver licenses will be carried out in a vehicle with the “highest class”. As such, an individual holding all classes of licenses mentioned for point (ii) will be required to be tested on a Class 6 vehicle.
In both the categories mentioned above, the requirements for renewal purposes are as follows:
▪️ A completed LTA driver’s license renewal form.
▪️ A mandatory medical certificate (obtained 30 days prior to application) by a registered Medical Practitioner, confirming that the individual is medically fit to drive.
▪️ Annual renewal of driver’s license, subject to the medical certificate submitted at the time of renewal.
▪️ Recent passport size photos (which must be changed every 3 years).
▪️ The individual may be present at the time of application or may consent another person to lodge his/her driver’s license renewal application.
* No fee is payable by an applicant in respect of the driving test
For an applicant applying for renewal of class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 9, must be accompanied by a medical certificate from a registered medical practitioner.
“Taking this into account, we have had to implement this new policy quickly and in an effort to ease the burden on our senior citizens, we have made the crucial, but necessary, driving test free.”
LTA was established to provide a safe land transport system for the nation in partnership with stakeholders, the Fijian Government and the community.
For more information, you may contact the LTA contact centre on [email protected] or call 3392166.