How the law decides when you are too old to drive

When you have been driving for most of your life it can be hard to know when it is time to hand over the keys.

There are many reasons your driving skills might diminish. It could be a mobility or flexibility issue, making it hard to look over your shoulder for safe driving. It might be that your reflexes are slower, meaning you react to emergency situations later than you should. Medical conditions might cause impairment but it could also be medications you are taking that are affecting you.

Read more: Study shows you might not pass a driving test.

Even if you think you can still drive as good as your did in your younger years some states disagree, and have imposed changes for those over the age of 75.

In New South Wales there are testing requirements. This starts with a mandatory medical test for holders of car licences before they turn 75. Rules change again before a motorist turns 85, when they must choose whether they want to maintain an unrestricted licence or accept a modified licence. Under the conditions of a modified licence, motorists agree to drive only in a limited area – known as a ‘home to town condition’ – with which they are familiar and within which they must stay while driving. If an elderly driver wants to remain free to drive wherever they please, they have to undertake a practical driving assessment with RMS or an accredited driving assessor.

In Victoria there is no compulsory test but once you turn 75 your licence is only valid for three years instead of 10.

In Western Australia you need to have a medical assessment when you turn 80 before you can renew  your licence. Driving tests for over 85’s were abolished in 2013, and are now only required on doctors advice.

In Queensland everyone over the age of 75 needs to carry a form signed by their doctor when driving, which is valid for 12 months.  ACT also requires drivers aged 75 or older be examined by their doctor.

South Australia requires an annual self-assessment from the age of 75, unless your suffer from a medical condition. In that case  you will need a doctor’s assessment. Mandatory testing for drivers over the age of 70 was abolished in 2014.

In the Northern Territory and Tasmania you are only required to notify the Motor Vehicle Registry of any medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to drive. Tasmania abolished their tests for elderly drivers in 2011 but still require medical assessment from the age of 75. The doctor may recommend a driving test. 

Research has shown that crash patterns change significantly for older drivers, especially for those over the age of 80. Accidents where elderly motorists are at fault are most commonly caused by misjudgement.

Many older drivers recognise their declining faculties and voluntarily restrict their driving while in other cases it might be family intervention.

Do you think there needs to be an Australia wide rule established for older drivers?