In September, rumours circulated that a new Australian law would ban drivers aged 60 and over from driving between 10pm and 5am. We can confirm this nighttime curfew is fake news, and no such law has even been proposed. That said, recent road incidents involving elderly drivers have sparked debate over whether new age-based restrictions should be implemented across the country.
Currently, some Aussie states and territories require drivers to undergo medical assessments and practical driving tests once they turn 70. However, these rules don’t apply in Victoria and Tasmania, while South Australia allows older drivers to self-assess their driving abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the driving rules for older Australians in each state and territory right now.
Australian Capital Territory
- Cars: From 75, drivers must undergo an annual medical exam.
- Public vehicles: From 70, drivers must also pass a driving assessment relevant to the vehicle they drive, such as a taxi or bus.
New South Wales
- Cars: From 75, drivers with a car licence must undergo an annual medical exam. They then must complete an older driver or rider test if recommended by a doctor.
- From 85, car drivers must also take a practical test every two years.
- From 85, drivers may move to modified licences, with restrictions like driving only during daylight hours or within a specific area.
- Multi-combination (MC) and heavy vehicles: From 70, MC licence holders must undergo an annual medical assessment and, if recommended, a practical driving assessment. This applies to heavy vehicle licence holders (e.g. trucks) from 80.
Northern Territory
- Cars: No age-based medical exam or practical test required.
- Vision test: All drivers must undergo a vision test every five years.
- Medical conditions: Drivers must report any medical conditions affecting driving, which may require a medical review or other assessment.
Queensland
- Cars: From 75, drivers must undergo an annual medical exam and carry a current medical certificate when driving (fines of $161).
- Medical conditions: Drivers must report any medical conditions affecting driving to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
South Australia
- Cars: From 75, drivers without a medical condition must complete an annual self-assessment fitness to drive test.
- All other vehicles: From 70, drivers who hold a licence for a class of vehicle other than a car must take a medical exam when renewing.
- From 85, these licence holders must also complete an annual practical driving test.
Tasmania
- Cars: No age-based medical exam or practical test required.
- Medical conditions: Drivers must report any medical conditions affecting driving, which may require a medical review or other assessment.
Victoria
- Cars: No age-based medical exam or practical test required.
- From 75, all drivers can only renew their licence every three years.
- Medical conditions: Drivers must report any medical conditions impacting safety to Transport Victoria, which may require a medical review or other assessment.
Western Australia
- Cars: From 80, drivers must undergo an annual medical exam.
- A doctor may also request that older drivers take a practical driving assessment.