News Release
Thursday 8 November 2012

Council Offering Free Refresher Courses For Elderly Drivers

ROTORUA 08.11.12: Following recent publicity around concerns for the safety of elderly drivers on local roads, Rotorua District Council (RDC) is keen to promote the courses it has available for elderly drivers.

The popular ‘Agewise Driver Refresher Course’ provided by the council, with help from the New Zealand Transport Agency, is free of charge and available to over 65s.

RDC road safety coordinator Jodie Lawson said while she is aware of people’s concerns, support is on-hand to help older drivers keep up-to-date with driving requirements, and to enjoy safe and successful mobility for as long as possible.

“The refresher course is essentially a road safety workshop specially tailored to the over 65s – an opportunity for older drivers to refresh their knowledge of the road rules, including recent updates and to learn how to stay driving while keeping safe.

“It’s not a practical driving test or an opportunity for someone to take their licences away from them. It’s quite the opposite as it’s a classroom-based course enabling our older drivers to recognise and understand the effects of the aging process on driving and how to compensate for those effects.”

‘Agewise Driver Refresher Courses’ are run regularly, with the next session on Monday 26 November from 9.30am to 3pm. Sessions are informal and friendly and are limited to 15 people at a time.

ENDS

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