The Mosgiel centenarian, who featured in the Otago Daily Times in 2005 when she turned 100, will mark her 103rd birthday today as New Zealand's oldest licensed woman driver.
Mrs Shanks planned to celebrate with friends and family in Mosgiel, but was reluctant to make a fuss when contacted yesterday, declining to be interviewed or photographed.
Her niece, Lucy Mill, said she was impressed Mrs Shanks was still driving regularly.
"She still goes down the street to the shops and the bank - I think it is [impressive]," Mrs Mill said.
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt said yesterday Mrs Shanks was one of 11 licensed motorists - six men and five women - aged 100 or over.
Her birthday today puts her into clear second place, behind a man aged 103, Mr Knackstedt said.
The law required drivers to renew their licences every two years after reaching the age of 80.
That meant Mrs Shanks could, in theory, lay claim to being New Zealand's oldest driver - as older registered drivers may have stopped driving, or even died, between re-licensing tests, he said.
Mrs Shanks has never let age stand in her way - she lives alone, stays active and adopted modern technology with enthusiasm, including a first microwave which was a present on her 94th birthday.
She received letters from the Queen, Governor-General, Prime Minister and other politicians at the time of her 100th birthday, which she celebrated with 150 friends and family.
