Australian licence laws and tips for senior drivers

Various states have specific regulations in place to make sure senior drivers are fit to drive. They’re designed to promote road safety while accommodating the needs of older drivers.  

These regulations are subject to change. It's important for drivers to stay updated with the latest information. You can contact your local transport authority or visit their websites for detailed licencing rules.

• Drivers aged 75 and over must carry a valid medical certificate whenever they drive.
• A general practitioner will do a medical assessment to determine if any licence conditions are needed.
• Drivers need to follow any other conditions specified on their certificate, which must be renewed annually.
• Visit the Queensland Government website

• Drivers aged 70 and over must get an annual medical assessment to keep their licence.
• From the age of 85, drivers are also required to pass a practical driving test every two years.
• Medical assessments are submitted to Transport for NSW.
• You can also swap your unrestricted licence with a modified licence. This allows you to drive certain distances within your local area without the older driver test. However, your doctor can still recommend that medical conditions be added to your licence. 
• Visit the NSW government website for more information.

• After the age of 75, you’ll need to renew your licence every three years, rather than every ten.
• Victoria doesn’t mandate medical assessments based solely on age. However, drivers must report any medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely to Transport Victoria.
• VicRoads may impose conditions on your licence or require assessments based on individual health circumstances.
• Visit the Transport Victoria website for more information.

• Drivers aged 80 and over must have annual medical assessments before they can renew their licence. 
• A registered medical practitioner will assess drivers and submit the results to the Department of Transport. 
• Licence conditions may be applied based on the assessment results. The doctor may also request that the driver takes a practical driving test before their licence can be renewed. 
• Visit the Transport WA website for more information.

• Drivers aged 75 and over who hold a Class C licence, and don’t have a medical condition, must complete an annual self-assessment that’s sent in the mail.
• The Department of Infrastructure and Transport may request further medical information or impose conditions.
• Visit the My Licence SA website for more information.

• All drivers legally must report any medical condition that may affect their driving.
• Drivers may be requested to get a medical assessment from a doctor, which they must then share with Services Tasmania.
• Licence conditions may be applied based on the assessment results. The doctor may also request that the driver takes a practical driving test before their licence can be renewed.
• Visit the Transport Tasmania website for more information.

• Driving rules are based on behaviour and medical conditions instead of age.
• A medical assessment may be required if the Registrar of Motor Vehicles have been notified that a person they’ve examined is physically or mentally incapable of driving.
• Licence conditions may be applied based on the assessment results. 
• All NT drivers are required to pass a vision test on initial application and then on a five yearly basis.
• Visit the Road Safety NT website for more information.

• Drivers aged 75 and over need to get annual medical assessments.
• Conditions may be applied based on the assessment results.
• Visit the Access Canberra website for more information.

• Seeing a medical professional regularly will help you identify and manage health concerns, which may affect your driving. They can also do medical assessments to make sure you’re fit to drive. 

• Get your eyes tested by an optometrist every year.

• Hearing loss can impact awareness of sirens, horns, and other road cues. Have regular hearing tests or speak to your doctor about any concerns. 

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any medication side effects which could affect your reaction times, concentration, or alertness.

• Neck, shoulder, and core flexibility can help with steering control and head checks. 

• Any changes in health that could impact your driving should be reported to the relevant state authority.  

• Road rules can change over time. Make sure you’re aware of and abide by the recent rules. Any changes in health that could impact your driving should be reported to the relevant state authority.  

• Make sure you know the route or use a GPS with simple visual instructions for navigation. 

• If possible, try not to drive during the morning or evening rush hours if the traffic will be overwhelming.

• If vision or glare becomes challenging, try not to drive at sunset or at night.

• Driving on roads you know well and avoiding high risk areas such as multi-lane motorways can help reduce stress and avoid complex traffic situations.

• During long drives, make sure to stop for a break every one to two hours. 

• Make sure your seats and mirrors are adjusted correctly every trip. If you have a medical condition, set up with the necessary modifications suggested by your doctor or state authority. For example, hand controls instead of foot pedals, or steering aids to make the steering wheel easier to turn with one arm. Your car should also be fully registered, insured, and roadworthy. See our article on car insurance for seniors for more information.