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Over the years there have been several changes to the process from what was once a mandatory road test to what is now a much simpler process with the main ingredient being a written test designed to establish the applicant driver's competency and awareness of the basic rules of the road.

Since I recently assisted my mother in renewing her licence, I now consider myself somewhat of an expert at weaving through the ministry's requirement.

So here is the story for anyone who is about to reach the wonderful age of 80.

Within 90 days of a currently licensed driver's 80th birthday, one can expect to receive a letter from the Ministry of Transportation advising them their driver's licence must be renewed before turning 80, and enclosed in the mailing are a set of instructions that must be followed to the letter.

First up is a call to the 1-800 number listed on the letter to arrange an appointment to attend one of the locally approved licensing facilities. Now these facilities are not operated by the ministry; rather they are private ventures operating under a licence or contractual agreement with the Ministry of Transportation to facilitate G1, G2 and senior driver's license testing and renewals.

Once the number is called, the call taker will assist with the arrangements.

On the appointment date, a senior driver can expect to spend at least three to four hours at the licensing facility going through the entire process so make sure when booking you leave plenty of time as all aspects of the process must be successfully completed on that day.

Upon arrival, the applicant will be given a basic vision test, which will be done wearing glasses or contacts if applicable. Next up is a classroom session where qualified instructors review the basic rules of the road as well as signage and other relevant topics dealing with driving on our high-volume streets. The classroom portion is an excellent refresher for the next step, which is a written test of the rules of the road as well as a test of the driver's knowledge of the current road signs.

A perfect score is not required, however, on each test, which is comprised of 20 questions. A score of 16 out of 20 is required in order to pass.

Once the written test is passed and the staff members at the licensing facility are satisfied a road test is not required, then the senior driver has his or her license immediately renewed for an additional two years. When a person reaches 82, the process repeats itself.

If a driver fails the written test, they will be allowed to repeat that portion on another date, usually within a week or so.

A couple of helpful hints: do a review at home of the rules of the road as well as the signs. A ministry-approved Driver's Handbook can be purchased at retail outlets such as Canadian Tire and local book stores. Everything one needs to refresh their memories and prepare for the test is contained in the handbook. Secondly, don't leave booking the appointment until the last minute. Leave yourself lots of time in the unfortunate event that one may need to re-write the test. If the test re-write is booked after the 80th birthday, then the driver becomes unlicensed from the day after turning 80 until the test is passed. Visit www.mto.gov.on.ca for further information on the senior driver renewal program.

Oh and by the way, with a little pre-appointment preparation and review, my mother passed with flying colours and she tells me the staff at the licensing centre put her mind at ease from the outset and made the whole process quite pleasant.