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When Is It Time to Stop Driving? A Guide for Caregivers and Families 

When Is It Time to Stop Driving? A Guide for Caregivers and Families 

senior couple in a vehicleDriving is a freedom that provides independence and mobility to many adults. However, as we age, it can become more of a challenge. Vision, hearing, and cognitive impairments become increasingly common, and these changes can affect our ability to drive safely. 

That’s why it’s so important to recognize when driving may no longer be safe, and to know how to approach this sensitive topic with care and compassion for your loved one. 

Common Signs to Look Out For 

Here are some red flags that may indicate a senior is no longer driving safely: 

  • Concerned comments from family or friends 
  • Confusion about why other drivers are honking or why they’re receiving traffic tickets 
  • Getting lost on familiar roads 
  • Consistently driving too slowly or too fast 
  • Unexplained dents or scratches on the car 
  • Frequent accidents or near-misses 

There’s no universal age at which someone should stop driving, but research suggests that most people begin to find driving challenging in their late 70s to early 80s. The average age to stop driving is around 80, though this varies widely depending on individual health, vision, mobility, and cognitive status. 

How to Have the Conversation 

Talking to a loved one about giving up driving can be difficult. Here are some tips to help make the conversation respectful and productive: 

  • Be Empathetic: Understand that this is a big change. Acknowledge their feelings and show that you care. 
  • Involve Your Loved One: Include them in the decision-making process. Listen to their concerns and work together to find solutions. 
  • Choose the Right Time: Have the conversation in a calm, private setting. Avoid bringing it up when emotions are running high. 
  • Offer Alternatives: Reassure them that giving up driving doesn’t mean losing independence. Explore other transportation options together. 

Getting Around After Giving Up Driving 

Giving up driving doesn’t mean giving up mobility. Apart from TTC and other regional public transit, there are a number of government-subsidized and/or senior friendly transportation services. 

iRIDE Plus, which Circle of Care leads, is a government-subsidized ride-sharing transportation service designed to help seniors and people with mobility challenges get around safely and affordably. 

Our friendly, trained drivers provide door-to-door service in clean, comfortable vehicles. While our vehicles are not wheelchair accessible, we do offer support for clients who need assistance entering and exiting the vehicle (with a personal escort if needed). 

To use iRIDE: 

  • Use this link to book an intake phone appointment. 
  • New clients can begin booking rides 7–10 business days after their intake appointment. 
  • If you live north of Steeles Avenue, please visit CHATS, our co-lead for iRIDE Plus. 

Service Area: 

  • From Steeles Ave W. to Eglinton Ave., and from Dufferin St. to the Don Valley Parkway 
  • Includes downtown Toronto hospitals and associated buildings 

Hours of Service: 

  • Transportation: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
  • Office: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

Eligibility: We serve: 

  • Frail seniors and adults with age-related conditions 
  • Adults with physical or cognitive disabilities 
  • Clients who need assistance while traveling 
  • Those for whom public transit is physically prohibitive 

Please note: iRIDE cannot accommodate individuals who require lifting assistance, cannot enter/exit vehicles independently (without a personal escort), or present behaviours that may pose a risk. 

 Other Transportation Services

Depending on where a senior lives or what their needs are, there are also other senior-friendly transportation services:  

  • Offering door-to-door accessible public transit for people with disabilities. Phone: 1 (888) 762-2950 | TTY: 711  

TTC Wheel Trans 

  • Safe and reliable transportation option for people with disabilities. Phone: (416) 393-4111  
  • Transit services for people with disabilities.  

Recognizing when it’s time to stop driving is never easy, but it’s an important step toward ensuring safety and well-being. With empathy, support, and services like iRIDE Plus, seniors can continue to live full, connected lives, without getting behind the wheel. 

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