Driver Licence Medicals – an update
Jasper Heijtel
From 15 September 2026, updated New Zealand guidance no longer recommends routine formal cognitive screening for older drivers based on age alone.
At Ōhope Beach Medical Centre, your Driver Licence Medical will continue to include:
an initial assessment with our Health Care Assistant, including blood pressure and vision checks
an assessment with your GP, including your general health, medications, mobility, memory and thinking, and any factors that may affect safe driving.
A Mini-ACE or other cognitive assessment will no longer be performed routinely simply because you are aged 75 or over.
However, if your GP has any concerns about memory or thinking during your assessment, they may recommend further cognitive testing before your Driver Licence Medical Certificate can be completed.
This may require a separate appointment on another day and an additional consultation fee.
Our standard Driver Licence Medical fee remains $110.
Thank you for your understanding.