When Is It Time for a Senior to Stop Driving? — with geriatrician Dr. Amina Jabbar

For many people, driving represents far more than getting from one place to another. It means independence, freedom, adulthood, and connection. That is why the moment an older adult can no longer safely get behind the wheel can be one of the most painful transitions a family faces.

Returning guest and geriatrician Dr. Amina Jabbar joins Teri Hart on The Hart of It All to talk about what she calls “retiring from driving.” Together, they explore how families can approach the conversation with honesty and empathy, without treating age itself as the problem or making a loved one feel blamed for changes beyond their control.

Dr. Jabbar explains the physical, cognitive, visual, and medical factors that can affect someone’s ability to drive safely, from dementia and vision loss to medication side effects, diabetes, limited mobility, and slower reaction times. She also shares warning signs families should watch for, including getting lost on familiar routes, drifting between lanes, driving unusually slowly, or relying on a passenger to provide constant directions.

The conversation also breaks down what happens when a healthcare professional believes someone is no longer safe to drive, what Ontario drivers can expect when renewing their licence after age 80, and when an independent driving assessment may help provide clarity.

But stopping driving is not only a safety issue. It can bring grief, anger, isolation, and major new responsibilities for caregivers. Teri and Dr. Jabbar discuss practical ways to prepare for the transition, from comparing the cost of car ownership with taxis and rideshares to testing out a month without driving before a crisis forces the decision.

Whether you are concerned about an aging parent, supporting someone with dementia, or beginning to think about your own future behind the wheel, this episode offers compassionate language, practical next steps, and a reminder that no family should have to navigate this change alone.

Resources:

Learn more about Functional Driving Assessments in Ontario:

https://data.ontario.ca/dataset/approved-functional-assessment-centres-for-drivers

Reduced Fee Taxi Chits in Peel Region (Ontario):

https://peelregion.ca/transhelp/fares-payments/taxi-vouchers

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