Seniors in Alberta can now qualify for discounts on driver's medical exams. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New discount for Alberta seniors renewing their driver’s licence

Jun 19, 2024 | 9:27 AM

The Government of Alberta is taking a step that it says will make life more affordable for seniors.

In effect now, people who are 65 years or older will get a 25 per cent discount on driver’s medical exams taken on or after April 1, 2024.

These are routine examinations performed by a physician or nurse practitioner. The goal is to determine if a person is medically fit to drive.

Seniors are required to do them at ages 75 and 80, and then every two years starting at age 82.

Driver’s medical exams can vary from $80 to $295, depending on the physician.

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Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Dale Nally says reducing the price of these exams will be of great help to many seniors across the province.

“We made a promise to make life more affordable for Alberta seniors, and we are keeping it. Ensuring our seniors can maintain the independence that a driver’s licence provides, while reducing the cost of complying with licensing requirements, is another way that we are recognizing their contribution to our society,” says Nally.

Seniors who complete their exam can bring their receipt or proof of purchase to any Alberta registry agent to apply for their discount. Seniors will be reimbursed for 25 per cent of the amount paid through a government-issued cheque in the mail.

In addition to this, seniors began to qualify for 25 per cent discounts on personal registry services like driver’s license renewals, vehicle registration, standard licence plates, marriage licences and parking placards.

Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon says it can cost a lot of money for seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, to access these services.

“The past few years have been tough on seniors, who have been struggling with inflation while trying to make ends meet on a fixed income. The discount on the driver’s medical exam, combined with the discount on personal registry services, will make their lives more affordable,” says Nixon.

More details on seniors’ discounts are on the Government of Alberta website.