Nothing could be more convenient than having a car to use when running errands and travelling to nearby places. That's especially true for older people who may find taking public transport exhausting and inconvenient.
On the other hand, many senior citizens also face issues that make driving a challenging task.
Here are some common conditions affecting senior drivers:
- Vision problems – includes cataract, astigmatism, farsightedness, and nearsightedness
- Slower reflexes – mental and physical responses will not be as quick as younger drivers
- Medical conditions – common ones are hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, dementia
Well, senior drivers can use technologies to aid them in driving, but we have to accept that drivers aged 75 or above are at a greater risk of figuring in a vehicular accident. To avoid these circumstances and make Australian roads safer for everyone, drivers must take medical examinations at least once in five years.
As an elderly driver, you might have to take this assessment every year. The bright side is that you still have your senior driver’s licence, allowing you to drive regardless of your medical conditions as long as you comply with certain requirements. A conditional licence imposes some driving restrictions for your safety.
Requirements vary between states and territories.
What are the licensing requirements for seniors in the different states and territories in Australia?
While all states and territories follow the National Driver Licensing Scheme (NDLS), they also implement other laws for senior drivers. Here are the licensing regulations that you should be aware of as a senior Australian driver.
New South Wales
If you hold a Class C driver’s licence in New South Wales, you must get annual medical check-ups when you’re above 75 years old. Two months before turning 75, you will receive a form from the Roads and Maritime Services of Australia. You’ll have to undergo a medical evaluation and return the form before your 75th birthday. You need to pass this medical assessment to qualify for a conditional licence and continue driving even as a senior citizen above 75. You will find more information in this licensing guide for older drivers in NSW.
To retain your unrestricted license, you must pass the yearly medical assessments and on-road driving assessments (practical driving test) every two years.
If you think it stops at the 75-year-old milestone, then think again!
In NSW, 85 is another number you should be aware of. If you’re lucky to reach that age and could still drive, you need to qualify for a modified licence. For your own safety, it lets you drive only within your local area to do shopping, attend community activities, and go to medical appointments.
If you live in regional NSW, you're allowed to drive distances between the locations of essential services. You can download a Modified License request form from the NSW Transport website or call 13 22 13 to get assistance.
- For all other driving and licensing concerns in the NSW jurisdiction, please visit their website at https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/.
Queensland
Did you find the NSW licensing rules too stringent? Annoying? Well, let’s see if QLD senior drivers have it easier as we walk you through the senior license fact sheet for getting a QLD senior drivers licence.
Summing the fact sheet, we learn that, starting on your 75th birthday, you need to carry a valid medical certificate whenever you’re driving.
How do I get a valid medical certificate in QLD?
- Download Form F3195 (Private and Commercial Vehicle Driver's Health Assessment).
- Fill out Part 1 (Health Questionnaire).
- Make an appointment with your doctor. Don’t forget to bring Form F3195 during your appointment.
- You doctor will fill out Part 2 (Clinical Examination) and issue Form F3712 (Medical Certificate).
An eyesight assessment may also be required if your doctor deems it necessary. If that’s the case with you, the doctor will refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist before issuing the medical certificate.
The medical certificate should always be in Form F3712. It will indicate whether (a) you meet the medical criteria for an unconditional licence, (b) you meet the medical criteria for a conditional licence, or (c) you don’t meet the medical criteria for a driver’s licence at all.
If your licence has an M condition, it means you have a medical condition or restriction, which will be stated in the ‘tear off’ medical certificate that you should always carry when driving.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are some temporary restrictions regarding drivers’ licences with an M condition. If you have a medical certificate that expires soon, you should contact the DoT for an extension. For licences without this condition, your soon-to-expire licence remains valid till the end of the emergency period. Learn more about these changes from the this link about senior driving regulations.
- For other concerns regarding QLD transport and main roads, please refer to their official website at https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/
Victoria
It’s a different story in Victoria. VicRoads maintains that as a driver, it is your responsibility to routinely ask yourself whether you’re fit to drive. You should do a self-assessment of your driving, and that’s true whatever your age is. For seniors, there will be no medical certificates to carry or special procedures upon reaching a certain age.
How’s that for easy?
In Victoria, driving is a privilege for every citizen, but it comes with responsibilities. So, when you’re granted that privilege, it becomes your legal obligation to make sure that you’re fit to drive.
Drivers holding a Victorian driver’s licence must notify the VicRoads licensing authority whenever they develop any physical or mental conditions that can adversely affect their driving.
Older people are more prone to age-related problems, such as joint pain, impaired vision, and delayed reaction times, making them more vulnerable to risky situations on the road. If you find yourself suffering from any of these conditions, you need to notify VicRoads immediately. They might require you to undergo a medical assessment.
To learn more about your obligations as a driver and how to effectively self-assess your fitness to drive, read the answers to these FAQs.
- For all your concerns about VicRoads and licensing, you may check out this link https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/.
South Australia
In SA, when you're 75, you will receive a self-assessment form to help you think about your health and how it affects your ability to drive safely. You can complete this on your own, but you will be required to have your doctor's input for some questions where your answer is Yes. This applies to all Class C licensed drivers who drive cars and most types of vehicles.
You might be asked to produce a certificate of fitness issued by your health professional and send to Service SA by email or in person before the due date if you fall in the following categories:
- If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are taking medication that may affect your driving ability
- If you are over 70 and have a licence class other than C (car)
- You may check out this URL for all other concerns about licensing and transport in South Australia https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport
Western Australia
In WA, when you reach the age of 80, you need to see a doctor for a medical examination each year.
Upon reaching 85, aside from the medical assessment and examination, your doctor may recommend a Practical Driving Assessment before the renewal of your licence. While before, the PDA was mandatory, now it’s only done upon a doctor’s recommendation.
Similar changes have also been made in the mandatory driving test for motorcycle riders above 85. You can check them here.
- Please visit https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/ for any other concerns about senior licensing.
Tasmania
TAS senior drivers do not have to complete a regular medical check-up. Once a Tasmanian-licensed driver turns 65, a new licence will be issued with a validity of 5 years. Senior drivers are required to disclose any health conditions that might affect their driving. They are also advised to do a self-assessment regularly. Other than a small fee for the photo card, no renewal fee will be charged on the licence.
Expect a reminder approximately 4-6 weeks before your licence’s expiration date.
Please check out this handbook for older drivers, I’m sure you will find it useful.
- For any queries, you may call the Transport Enquiry Service on 1300 851 225 or email driver.licensing@dier.tas.gov.au.
- Or visit https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/
Australian Capital Territory
Senior drivers above 75 must take the annual examination by consulting their doctor with the driver's license medical form.The medical certificate must demonstrate the driver’s fitness to continue driving.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ACT authorities are temporarily extending the period for drivers with low-risk medical conditions to provide evidence of their medical or eye test results.
v Herein are important links, contact details, and instructions on transacting licensing concerns.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory Road Safety authorities renew licences based on responsible driving behaviour and medical fitness to drive. In short, senior citizens don’t need to undergo special procedures upon reaching an age threshold.
Every five years, NT drivers of any age are required to pass a vision test. A medical professional, police, or a concerned citizen may report to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles about a person’s physical or mental incapability to drive a vehicle. Under any of these circumstances, the RMV may require that driver to undergo a medical assessment.
If you happen to be that person required to undergo medical assessment, you must disclose all conditions that could affect your driving ability. Many senior drivers with medical conditions are still allowed to drive, but with some restrictions added to their licences.
- Visit this useful link for more info about licensing seniors in the NT
Conclusion
Being a senior citizen doesn't mean you can't drive anymore, but the older you get, the harder it will be to convince the authorities. Don’t feel like you’re being singled out. It's not just in Australia; that's how it works around the world.
The best thing would be to cooperate by doing regular self-assessments, annual medical examinations, and whatever procedures are required by the transport authorities in your state or territory. Think of it as your share in making the roads safer in Australia.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with fellow seniors or members of your family. Read more from our blog!
FAQs
1. What happens to my driver's license when I turn 75?
Do a self-assessment. Depending on where your licence was issued, you need to contact the state transport authority to renew your driving license. You may be required to consult a doctor and undergo a medical check-up. Refer to the applicable links in the article above.
2. Do senior drivers need to pass a driving test on renewing their license?
Most states do not have aged-based practical driving assessments. Only Western Australia and New South Wales require drivers aged 85 and above to undergo practical assessments.
3. What is a conditional licence?
A conditional licence is issued when a senior driver has a physical, medical, or psychological condition that makes him or her unfit to drive long distances. With a conditional licence, old drivers can drive to do essential trips within a certain radius to do their shopping, get medical needs, or visit family and friends.