A fatal car crash in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has sparked fresh conversation about older drivers on Australian roads.
Police believe the nonagenarian lost control of a Toyota Yaris before it fatally struck one pedestrian and seriously injured two others, including a toddler.
Some states and territories require drivers over a certain age to undergo regular medical assessments and driving tests to maintain their licence, but Victoria is not one of them.
In Queensland, for example, older drivers can be fined $161 for driving without proof that they’ve undergone the required medical checks.
Other states and territories encourage older drivers to assess their own driving abilities as they age.
Here’s everything you need to know about how each state and territory manages older drivers.
Rules for older drivers by state and territory
From the age of 75, all drivers must undergo a yearly medical assessment on their fitness to drive and complete an older driver or rider test if recommended by a doctor.
Drivers who hold a multi-combination (MC) licence must complete an annual older driver or rider test.
It is a practical assessment that lasts 15-20 minutes and tests the driver’s performance and ability to maintain safe driving behaviours.
From the age of 80, all drivers must undergo a yearly medical assessment for fitness to drive and complete an older driver or rider test if recommended by a doctor.
Drivers who hold a heavy vehicle licence (classes LR, MR, HR or HC) or MC licence must complete an annual older driver or rider test every year.
From the age of 85, all drivers must undergo a yearly medical assessment for fitness to drive.
Drivers who hold a car or rider unrestricted licence must complete an older driver or rider test every two years.
Drivers with a heavy vehicle licence or MC licence must complete the test annually.
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From the age of 75, all drivers must see a doctor annually to asses their medical fitness to drive, and carry a current medical certificate when driving.
Driving without a medical certificate carries a fine of $161.
Drivers who have a medical condition that affects their driving must also submit their medical certificate to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
In some cases, the driver will be issued a conditional driver licence or have their licence suspended or cancelled if the medical condition impacts their ability to drive safely.
From the age of 75, drivers can only renew their licence every three years, rather than every three or ten years.
No other age-based rules apply.
However, all drivers with a permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition or injury must report it to Transport Victoria’s Medical Review team.
The driver may be asked to undergo a medical review, driving test or other assessment and may have conditions placed on their driving or have their licence suspended or cancelled if they are unfit to drive.
Australian Capital Territory
From the age of 70, drivers with heavy vehicle licences (class MR and above) are required to undergo a medical examination annually.
Those who hold public vehicle licences must undergo a medical assessment annually and pass a driving assessment relevant to the vehicle they drive (eg a taxi or bus).
All licence holders aged 75 or older must undergo yearly medical assessments from their doctor to prove their fitness to drive.
Older drivers are encouraged to regularly assess their own fitness to drive.
Any driver with a medical condition or disability that may affect their ability to drive safely may be required to undergo periodic medical assessments and/or driving tests.
They may have conditions applied to their licence based on the outcomes of those tests.
Older drivers are encouraged to be aware of changes that could affect their driving ability.
All drivers must undergo a vision test every five years.
Any driver may be required to get a medical assessment of fitness to drive if they have a medical condition or disability that may affect their driving ability.
The results of that assessment may lead to the driver having specific conditions added to their licence, or having their licence suspended or cancelled.
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From the age of 70, drivers who hold a licence for a class of vehicle other than a car (e.g. heavy vehicle, motorbike) must undergo a medical assessment when renewing.
From the age of 75, drivers hold a class “C” (car) licence and do not have a medical condition will receive an annual compulsory fitness to drive self-assessment in the mail.
From the age of 85, drivers who hold a licence for a class of vehicle other than a car will have to complete an annual practical driving test.
Any driver may be required to take a practical driving assessment if their doctor deems it necessary.
From the age of 80, drivers must undergo an annual medical assessment in order to renew their licence.
A doctor may request an older driver take a practical driving assessment as well.
From the age of 85, drivers who hold a licence for a Light Rigid (LR) class or higher class vehicle must undergo annual practical driving assessments.
