At What Age Do I Need to Re-sit My Licence?

November 14th, 2020

Comments Feed

While millennials appear to be abandoning vehicle ownership in favour of ride-sharing transportation, an ageing population means that more and more Australians are dependent on transport solutions to remain mobile.

Naturally, having driven for most of their lives, it means elderly Australian motorists are clinging onto their driving routine and taking up the seat behind the wheel of their car.

With this however, we’re seeing a higher incidence of accidents and road fatalities than years gone past. For example, since 2007 road fatalities for drivers aged between 65 and 74 has grown 2.3% per year as measured across the nation. Among those drivers aged above 75, the figures point to an increase of 1.2% per year.

Drivers aged 65 or above remain the only age group to see an increase in road fatalities across that period, while also recording a 9% rise in “road-related hospitalisations”.

Balancing drivers needs

With a wealth of advertising and education directed towards younger drivers – who do statistically account for a higher number of accidents and fatalities – an absence on the part of all the state governments across the country to tackle a worrying trend is concerning. But how should we manage community mobility to optimise safety for all road users? Just when is it time to give up driving?

Truth be told, there is no simple answer to this predicament. While each of the states have their own road rules governing elderly drivers, having accessibility to a car remains a vital component to the independence of said individuals.

Nevertheless, for couples and families, it is best to discuss and monitor the health of loved ones to ensure they remain in good condition to take to the road. Regular health check-ups become an essential part of validating this, although remember that age in itself shouldn’t be viewed as the only measure of ability when it comes to driving.

Keep in mind as well, certain lenders will have their hesitations extending finance to those individuals who have retired from the workforce and are currently relying on their pension.

Rules across Australia

As mentioned above, each state has different rules when it comes to requirements for elderly drivers:

• NSW: annual medical review (aged 75-84); annual medical review and practical driving test (85+)
• VIC: no annual medical reviews, albeit referrals may be made by doctors, family and police
• QLD: annual medical review but no practical driving tests (75+)
• SA: medical assessment but no practical driving tests (at 70)
• WA: medical assessment (from 80); medical assessment and practical assessment (from 85+)
• TAS: no annual medical reviews
• NT: no annual medical reviews, albeit referrals may be made by doctors, family and police