Fitness to drive

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Being able to drive allows you to maintain social contact, get to and from work, drive as part of work, and access services and shops. But with these benefits comes the responsibility to drive safely. This includes making sure you are fit enough to drive.

Health conditions
Some health conditions and medicines can affect your driving ability eg:

• blackouts or fainting
• vision problems
• epilepsy
• heart disease
• sleep disorders
• diabetes
• psychiatric disorders
• age-related decline.

Just because you have a disease or condition doesn’t mean you won’t be able to drive at all. It does mean that you will need to be seen by a doctor more often to check that the condition is well managed. And it might mean some restrictions are placed on your driving for a while. It doesn’t always mean your licence will be taken away.

Standards for health and driving
Due to the importance of physical and mental health and coordination for safe driving, medical experts have developed standards for all Australian states and territories.

What should I do if I have a medical condition that can affect my driving?
If you have a health or medical condition that can affect driving, you must notify Transport SA (telephone 13 10 84), either personally or through your doctor, optician or physiotherapist. More information about how to do this can be found on the Transport SA website.

Who decides my fitness to drive?
Your doctor, optician or physiotherapist will discuss this matter with you and will provide advice to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles about how your medical condition and/or treatment might affect your ability to drive safely.

The Registrar makes the final decision about your licence status, using your doctor’s advice and other factors such as your accident history and the type of vehicle you drive eg a truck, car or motorbike. You might also be asked to take a practical driving assessment to assist with the decision.

What if I am concerned about the driving safety of a friend or relative?
It is important to get your friend or relative to talk to a doctor. With appropriate treatment or driving restrictions, your friend or relative may be able to continue to drive, or the doctor may suggest alternative transport solutions. If your friend or relative won’t talk to their doctor, you should contact Transport SA (telephone 13 10 84), who will take up the matter confidentially.

How can I test my abilities?
Self assessment tests have been developed in conjunction with the Council of the Ageing to help older drivers assess their driving abilities and consider their safety and that of other people on the road. However, these tests can be useful for any driver as Fitness to Drive is not just about older drivers.

Information has also been developed about how particular health conditions affect driving skills and abilities. Some of these also provide self assessment tasks eg epilepsy, dementia.

Other important Information
The South Australian Government has established a ‘Fitness to Drive Task Force’ which is currently reviewing the referral and reporting processes.

Links
Independent Living Centre