No medical checks for 75 and 78-year-old drivers

Drivers aged 75 and 78 will no longer be required to undergo a medical assessment to renew their licence, following recognition that the current requirement is not justified by road safety research.

  • Regulation changes mean drivers aged 75 and 78 no longer require medicals

  • Current requirement not justified by road safety evidence

Drivers aged 75 and 78 will no longer be required to undergo a medical assessment to renew their licence, following recognition that the current requirement is not justified by road safety research.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said he had approved an amendment of the Road Traffic (Authorisation to Drive) Regulations 2008 following a review that showed a high proportion of 75 and 78-year-olds were found fit to drive without medical conditions being endorsed on their licences.

"Given the ageing population, the State Government is changing the regulations to lessen the unjustified imposition on senior drivers as well as the health system," Mr Buswell said.

"Research by the Government in 2006 indicated that older drivers were not disproportionately represented in crash statistics.

"Mandatory reporting of long-term or permanent medical conditions or driving impairments for all licence holders was introduced in 2008, and has been effective in identifying potentially high-risk drivers of all ages.

"The requirement to medically assess 75 and 78-year-olds has been in place since 1975, and it's important we continue to monitor current evidence around this issue, rather than maintain outdated regulations that are potentially based on misconceptions or stereotypes."

The current regulations require licence holders aged 75, 78, 80 and annually thereafter to complete a driver's licence renewal declaration and undergo a medical assessment. Those aged 85 and older must also pass an annual seniors' on-road practical driving assessment.

Once the regulations are amended, licence holders aged 80 to 84 years will still be required to undertake a medical assessment, and requirements for those aged 85 and above will not change.  

The Minister said he expected the regulations to be changed within the next six months.

      Fact File

  • In 2011 there are 13,817 drivers aged 75 years, and 12,655 drivers aged 78 years

  • All 75 and 78-year-old drivers will be informed of the change in requirements by direct mail, and will be reminded of their obligation to report any long term or permanent medical conditions or driving impairments

Minister's office - 9213 6900