A driving course is helping Central Otago seniors continue to drive safely and stay independent for longer – and it’s free.

There’s a Staying Safe Senior Driver Workshop in Alexandra tomorrow, 29th June at The Alexandra District Club and it’s designed to help our over-65 drivers drive safely and stay independent for longer. 

The workshop resources were designed and developed by Waka Kotahi to help improve road safety for older drivers.

Good to Go Road Safety Education is bringing the workshop here, and spokesperson Lily Graham says it is an opportunity for senior drivers to re-familiarise themselves with traffic rules, safe driving practices, and learn about the range of transport options available, with the view of helping to keep them independently mobile for as long as possible.

Tomorrow’s workshop is all about keeping senior drivers independent.

Guests include locals such as Dr. Joost Breuk from Alexandra Family Medical, speaking on the required medical check from ages 75, then 80, and every two years following that. Dr. Breuk will discuss the medical check process, what it covers and how best to prepare for it.

“Natasha Clark from VTNZ will provide information on the on-road safety test. 

“VTNZ Alexandra offers the on-road test and Natasha will inform the attendees what the on-road safety test entails, and how to go about booking and preparing for it.

Occupational Therapist, Barbara Steptoe from Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment Service will also speak. 

“In the instance of the health practitioner declaring the patient medically unfit to drive, one option is for the GP to refer the patient to an Occupational Therapist to undertake a driver assessment.”

Lily explains this specific assessment is tailored to individual needs and range of issues. 

The assessment identifies both physical and cognitive (thinking) ability to safely manage different driving situations, and any help specific vehicle features and modifications could provide. 

“We will also have recently retired NZ Police Sgt Katherine Pirovano. 

“With over 25 years’ experience in the NZ Police, Katherine has a vast knowledge of road safety.”

Lily says Katherine has presented at the last two workshops and develops great connections with attendees. 

At this workshop, she will cover topics about key safety factors such as the weather, road conditions, traffic, the vehicle, light, and of course the driver.

Katherine will also talk about driving skills in terms of ‘recognise, decide, act’ and specific road features such as roundabouts, intersections and traffic lights.

For further information and details on how to register, visit Senior Drivers Worskop