RoadSafetyBC to resume age-based Driver Fitness Medical Exams

After temporarily being paused during Covid, RoadSafetyBC will resume issuing age-based Driver Medical Examination Reports (DMERs) in the coming weeks. This means that senior drivers who meet new age-based criteria will receive a report to be completed by their physician or nurse practitioner. Doctors of BC advocated for improvements to the program, and our input was included in the modifications.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Drivers aged 80 will still receive an age-based DMER, but will now not require two-year assessments until the age of 85 (taking unnecessary burden off seniors and health care professionals).
• Drivers who turned 80 in the last few years will not be required to do an age-based DMER (nor will receive a DMER) until they reach age 85.
• The 45-day completion date has been temporarily extended to 120 days. RoadSafetyBC is continuously assessing the pressures on the medical system and will reactivate the permanent 45-day timeframe when appropriate.
• Doctors can complete a patient’s DMER appointment virtually; however, some patients with existing or progressive conditions may require an in-office assessment. It will be up to the healthcare professional to determine whether a virtual appointment is appropriate for their patients on a case-by-case basis.

For more information please visit the government’s Driver's Medical Examination Report webpage. General inquiries can be emailed to View Email AddressRoadSafetyBC@gov.bc.ca and be sure to include “Age-Based DMER Program” in the subject line.

RoadSafetyBC Qs&As for healthcare professionals

How does this impact me?

As a healthcare provider, you may see more senior patients requesting that you complete their age-based DMER, which will be yellow. This does not impact seniors you may see with a known condition DMER, which will be blue.

My patient doesn’t want to complete their DMER with me. What do I do?

If your patient doesn’t want to complete their DMER with you, they are not required to do so. However, their license will be cancelled if they do not comply. Senior drivers may choose to surrender their license to an ICBC office if they wish.

My patient lost their DMER. What should I tell them?

If your patient has lost their DMER, you can advise them to visit their nearest ICBC office to print a new copy free of charge.

Why was my patient issued a blue DMER between age intervals?

In some instances, senior drivers may receive blue DMERs in between age intervals. This is because they require a medical assessment according to the Canadian Council of Motor Transport AdministratorsMedical Standards with BC Specific Guidelines.

Will RoadSafetyBC backdate DMERs?

No. Due to current operational capacity, RoadSafetyBC will not be backdating DMERs. This means that drivers who turned 80 between December 2020 and June 27, 2023 will not receive a DMER until they turn 85.

Can I still recommend a road test to assess drivers?

Yes, you can still recommend a road test to assess drivers. RoadSafetyBC nurses and adjudicators will review the information you provide on your patient’s DMER to determine if a functional assessment is required.