Driver Fitness and Assessment

In B.C., doctors, registered psychologists, and optometrists all have a legal duty to report patients whose driving ability is in question. As well, police officers, family members, and other concerned individuals can report unsafe drivers to the Superintendent of Motor vehicles.

Driver Medical Fitness

The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles is responsible for assessing drivers of all ages and making driver fitness decisions. The primary tool used for this assessment is the Driver’s Medical Examination Report (DMER), completed by the driver’s physician - it helps assess the severity, progression, treatment or effects of any medical condition(s) that the driver may have that could affect their fitness to drive.

Beginning at the age of 80, medical exams are required every two years for all drivers, as medical conditions affecting driving are more common as people reach this age.

To find out more about driver medical fitness assessments, see:

• Driver Medical Fitness (from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General)

Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA)

The Superintendent of Motor Vehicles may also request that a driver take an Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA). The ERA is an on-road driving assessment that evaluates a driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The assessment is conducted by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) on behalf of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

Drivers with a medical condition that may affect the motor, cognitive, or sensory functions required for driving may be referred to the ERA.

Some of the most common reasons for an ERA are:

• A doctor reports a medical condition that may affect your fitness or ability to drive safely.
• Results of a previous re-exam suggest follow-up testing is necessary.
• A crash report, police report or other report indicates you may be unable or unsure how to handle a common driving situation.
• Your licence has expired for more than three years.

To learn more about the ERA and how to prepare, go to:

• Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA)  (from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General)