Ōpōtiki’s senior drivers are invited to attend a free classroom-based refresher course to help keep them safe on the roads.

With the support of NZTA Waka Kotahi, Age Concern is bringing its popular Staying Safe course to town next month for drivers over the age of 60.

It will be held at the library on Church Street between 10.30am and 1pm on Thursday, September 11 – with refreshments included. Prior enrolment is essential.

National Staying Safe course co-ordinator Hariata Hema said the course was not often offered in Ōpōtiki because of budgetary constraints and she hoped older drivers would take advantage of the opportunity to re-familiarise themselves with traffic rules and safe driving practices in a friendly and relaxed environment alongside other older drivers.

Although theory-based, she promises the course will be engaging, and not boring.

Ms Hema said since older drivers obtained their licences 50 or 60 years ago, a lot had changed – road rules, road design, vehicles, traffic volumes and themselves as drivers.

Not everyone might have kept up with the changes.

“We give very practical tips on what to do so we are not only within the law and keeping our insurance valid, but keeping ourselves and others safe on the roads.  

“We show a number of videos so participants can be sure they know how to correctly signal at roundabouts, are aware of the dangers of blindspots and know the give way rules, for example – there is much more we cover.”

From 75 onwards, a doctor’s certificate is required to renew a licence and from the time we are 80, we have to renew every two years with a medical each time.

At the beginning of this year, NZTA changed the timeframe for licence renewal for people over 74 because a number of older drivers were having their licences expire because they could not get in to the doctor or for an on-road driving test if required.  

People wanting to attend the Staying Safe course must enrol before September 9 by phoning 027 2090 366.