Researchers from 10 universities, including the University of Manitoba, are studying the driving habits of senior citizens.

They're looking for standards that doctors could use in deciding if a senior needs to take a driving test to keep their licence.

Elvira Derksen has been driving since 1962.

"It's not the age, but it's the ability of the person and awareness of things around you," said Derksen.

Scientists are tracking more than 1,000 volunteers over the age of 70.

The five-year study is now in year two.

"They are committed to the idea of coming up with things that will properly identify people rather than just having (testing)…a broad swath," said Michelle Porter from the University of Manitoba.

In Manitoba, doctors are required to report any driver they think has a medical condition which could affect their ability to drive, regardless of age.

"When we get notice of a driver who may have a condition, one of the things we can absolutely do with that driver is have them re-tested. But, again, we do that on a driver-by-driver basis, based on the medical condition that driver has," said Ward Keith from Manitoba Public Insurance.

Still, some Winnipeg drivers said mandatory testing should be implemented after a certain age.

"Say, at 60, start going in and get re-tested – that would be a better idea," said Charmaine Kucera.

Currently, Ontario and Alberta have senior driver renewal programs where people over the age of 80 have to renew their licence every two years.

Manitoba currently does not have any current plans for a licence renewal program.

The provincial government believes the issue is an individual's ability to drive, regardless of their age.

According to Manitoba Public Insurance, a 2003-2007 Manitoba traffic collision statistics report reveals drivers in the 16-19 age bracket were involved in the most collisions. Those age 65 and over were involved in the fewest collisions. A spokesperson with MPI says the involvement in crashes from 2008 to present day has not changed dramatically from the time period when the report was conducted.

- with a report from CTV's Ina Sidhu