Process simplified for driver medical assessments

• Medical assessment reforms to reduce burden of red tape

• Time and costs savings for healthy drivers

• Fitness to drive notifications simplified 

The State Government has taken another step to reduce red tape through changes to medical assessment procedures for Western Australian drivers, which took effect last week.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said a simplified process was now available for some drivers to satisfy the Department of Transport of their ongoing fitness to drive with the option of completing a declaration instead of undergoing a further medical assessment. 

"The Fitness to Drive Declaration process will only apply to eligible drivers who have previously undergone a full medical assessment and where their medical condition is well maintained and under the regular care of a medical practitioner," he said.

Mr Nalder said the department would retain the ability to require any Western Australian driver to undergo a medical assessment where there was reason to believe they could be unfit to hold a driver's licence. 

"Over the past seven years, the number of medical assessments of Western Australian drivers has grown by 280 per cent, which impacts on the medical profession, inconveniences drivers whose medical condition is well maintained, and incurs costs for drivers and taxpayers," he said.

"In addition to this, an online solution that will enable doctors to submit medical assessments to the department electronically will be implemented later this year.  This new process will improve the electronic exchange of information between medical professionals and the department and provide earlier responses to drivers."

Finance Minister Bill Marmion said the changes were part of the Government's rolling red tape reduction strategy and would improve services, speed processing and combat the upward, unsustainable trend in medical assessment volumes.

"These medical assessment reforms aim to reduce the regulatory burden on drivers who are in good health and streamline the exchange of information through the use of technology," Mr Marmion said.

Mr Nalder said while red tape would be reduced, the proposed medical assessment changes would not diminish the department's commitment to road safety.

Fact File

• The declaration process will not apply to new drivers to WA, occupational drivers (which includes taxi, bus, drivers of public passenger carrying vehicles and driving instructors) or drivers aged 80 years and older

• Eligible drivers will be sent a Fitness to Drive Declaration form about 12 weeks prior to the expiry of a drivers licence 

Transport Minister's office - 6552 6400

Finance Minister's office - 6552 6800