Older drivers

The physical changes that come with age can impact how safely you drive. As you get older, it’s important to regularly assess how ageing is affecting you behind the wheel.

Ask yourself the below self-assessment questions, and think about when to speak to your doctor, or transition to a non-driver.

Age and driving

In Victoria, older drivers do not need to pass a licence test when they reach a certain age. As a driver, the responsibility is on you to decide when to reduce or stop driving.

How safe is your driving

If you are over 65 years of age, you should regularly assess how safely you are able to drive.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have difficulty turning my head to see over my shoulder?
• Do I find driving for an hour or more exhausting?
• Do I have difficulty maintaining concentration while driving?
• Have I had an increasing number of 'near-misses' on the road?
• Have passengers warned me about things on the road I have seen too late?
• Are my children concerned about me driving my grandchildren?
• Do I find it more difficult to see at twilight than I used to?
• Am I more uncomfortable in heavy traffic than I used to be?
• Do I struggle to safely judge the speed of other vehicles?
• Do I struggle to safely judge gaps in traffic and merge between lanes?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, it may be necessary for you to change your driving behaviour.

Changing how you drive can help reduce your chance of being involved in an accident.

Stay safe on the road as you age

There are some easy steps you can take to safely stay on the road for longer. You can:

• drive to the closest, most convenient form of public transport
• drive in less busy times of day
• plan shorter driving periods, and rest along the way
• drive in daylight hours
• take some refresher driving lessons
• avoid all driving if you have been drinking alcohol, or have taken medication
• avoid complex driving situations, like driving on a highway, or turning right into oncoming traffic.

Monitor changes to your health

Health changes can happen slowly and over time. They may be difficult to notice, such as a slow decline in eyesight or hearing.

Regular health and vision check-ups can help you identify and manage potential issues.

You should also consider how any new medications may affect your ability to drive. For serious medical conditions, you may need a medical review.

Undergo a medical review

If you have a medical condition, you may need to undergo a medical review. The review checks if you can drive safely with your medical condition.

Anyone can be asked to complete a medical review. It may happen if:

• you report your own medical condition(opens in a new window)
• a doctor, community member or police makes a report expressing concern about your fitness to drive.

Serious or chronic medical conditions

In Victoria, all drivers have a legal obligation to complete a medical review if they have a serious or chronic medical condition or disability which may affect their ability to drive.

For more information about medical reviews, visit Transport Victoria(opens in a new window).

Transition to a non-driver

If driving is becoming too difficult or stressful, you may want to transition to a non-driver.

Deciding to stop driving is a difficult decision. Not being able to drive can affect both your independence and self-esteem.

However, there are many other options to help you get around.

Consider other transport options

There are many other transport options, such as:

• travelling with family and friends
• taking public transport
• using a taxi or rideshare
• walking or riding a bike
• taking free bus programs through your local council
• using a motorised mobility device.

Visit Transport Victoria’s Getting around without a car(opens in a new window) for more information.

Road rules changes

Road rules change over time. To keep up to date with recent changes, visit Transport Victoria’s Road rules and safety(opens in a new window).