To the Editor:
I would like to address Dick Kalman’s concerns about fairness and the DriveAble program (“DriveAble program unfairly targets B.C. senior drivers”).
We agree that driving is very important to many seniors and we also understand how upsetting it is to lose driving privileges. That is precisely why we use tools like DriveAble, a research-based, scientific assessment tool, used to measure the specific cognitive functions that are essential for safe driving.
The requirement to take a DriveAble assessment is not age-related. In fact, our office only refers people for an assessment if they have a suspected cognitive issue that could affect their ability to drive safely. These cognitive issues are not exclusive to seniors, most of who continue to drive safely. Although every B.C. driver completes a driver medical examination with their doctor at age 80, just three per cent of those medical exams result in a referral for a DriveAble cognitive assessment.
I would also like to clarify how the in-office assessment works. While it does use a touch-screen, no computer literacy or keyboard skills are required. Still, we recognize seniors may feel anxious so we have worked with the Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations of BC to enhance the program and include more supports. People now have 90 minutes to complete the in-office assessment and may bring a companion to meet the assessor, observe, ask questions and provide support during the practice time. Drivers who do not pass the in-office assessment also have the opportunity to take a DriveAble on-road evaluation.
Our goal is to help seniors drive as long and as safely as possible while protecting the safety of all British Columbians.
Deputy Superintendent of Motor Vehicles
Ministry of Justice