Driving for seniors

As we get older, we change physically and mentally, which can affect our driving skills. Being an older driver does not automatically make you a poor driver, as many people continue to be safe drivers well into their retirement years.

But what are the licensing requirements in NSW and the ACT once you pass 75 and 85 years old? And what can you do to help ensure you remain safe and healthy behind the wheel as you get older? This article covers everything a senior needs to know about driving including the tests and assessments you’ll need to take, tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy body and an alert mind, and how to identify and prevent macular degeneration.

What are the rules around licence renewal for seniors?

Happily there is no upper age restriction for renewing your licence in NSW and the ACT. Once you pass the age of 75, however, how you renew your licence will change.

Drivers between the ages of 75 and 84 are required to have an annual medical assessment from their doctor to continue to hold a licence. You may also need to take an older driver test or assessment if your doctor recommends it.

Drivers that are 85 or older are also required to complete a medical assessment once a year but also need to pass a driver test or assessment once every two years.

Alternatively, drivers over 85 can choose not to take the driving test or assessment and instead opt for a ‘modified’ licence that imposes restrictions on their driving.

Licence requirements for drivers over 85

In NSW, as you approach your 85th birthday, and every two years thereafter, you must decide whether you would like to keep your unrestricted driver's licence, or to switch to a modified licence.

What is an unrestricted driver's licence?

An unrestricted licence is a full licence without limitation – it is likely the type of licence you have held for many years. To maintain an unrestricted driver's licence from the age of 85, you must complete a practical driving test or assessment every two years.

What is a 'modified' licence?

Senior drivers may instead choose to have a modified licence upon renewal. Through negotiations with the RMS the conditions of your licence could be modified. For example a 'home to town' condition could be put in place. Modified licence holders are not required to undertake a driving test or assessment.

What is the difference between a Driving Test and a Driving Assessment?

Driving test:

• Carried out by the RMS at a local motor registry without charge
• This is a practical driving test with eight ‘fail items’. If you commit one of these fail items during the test, the RMS will not pass you regardless of your overall driving performance
• A list of the fail items can be found in the Guide to Older Driver Licensing booklet available from the RMS
• If you don't pass in three attempts, a modified licence will be issued. You may attempt to upgrade to a full licence by successfully passing a Driving Assessment with an accredited assessor
• You should complete this test prior to your 85th birthday and every two years thereafter

Driving assessment:

• Carried out by a licensed driving instructor who holds a Senior Assessor Qualification, like the experienced driving instructors at the NRMA 
• Assessments are commonly conducted from your home on the streets you drive every day
• You can take as many Assessments as you like on the proviso you don't perform a ‘serious fail’ based on the RMS standards
• A serious fail may be recorded where your driving behaviours represent a danger to yourself and other road users
• You should complete this Assessment prior to your 85th birthday and every two years thereafter
• This option is on a fee for service basis

Why you should take your assessment with driver training at the NRMA

NRMA driving training offers more than just an assessment – you can choose a combined Refresher and Assessment when making your booking. This allows you time to feel comfortable with the assessor in the car before the assessment begins. It also gives your instructor the opportunity to identify areas for improvement early on, postponing the formal assessment if required and instead booking in for some follow up refresher lessons.

Be assured that NRMA has your best interests at heart. Keeping you safe on our rapidly changing road conditions is our number one priority.

Our friendly instructors are trained to build your confidence and assist you to continue to hold your licence.

Your health and driving

Ageing brings physical and mental change. While these changes can, and do, have an effect on your driving skills, getting older does not automatically make you a poor driver – nor does it mean you will lose your licence. You have control over lifestyle choices that may affect your health, which in turn affects your driving.

No matter what your condition or age, there is some type of exercise or activity that will benefit you. You could try:

• Walking
• Gardening
• Bowling
• Shopping
• Dancing
• Aquarobics
• Lifting weights

The important thing is to be active and do what you find comfortable. Ask your physician about the types of activities that would be suitable for you – be sure to consult them before beginning any new exercise program.

Mental exercise is important – reading, word or number puzzles and jigsaw puzzles sharpen your visual search skills.

Safe driving tips

• Turning your head to see behind you can be difficult if you have stiff joints. Install large side mirrors and/or a panoramic mirror on your vehicle.
• As your muscles lose strength, turning the steering wheel can get harder. Don't swing wide on turns to compensate. Drive a vehicle with power steering. If you still have trouble, try using a turning knob.
• Avoid being distracted by tired muscles and sore joints by being well-rested before driving. If on a long drive, stop frequently.
• Give yourself time to react by staying at least three seconds behind the car in front of you. Watch out for other drivers and anticipate danger.

Older drivers and Macular disease

One common reason older Australians stop driving is age related macular degeneration (AMD), which is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in Australia.

Seen mostly in people aged over 50, one in seven Australians show some evidence of the disease, yet many don't even know it.

There are hundreds of thousands of NRMA Members over the age of 50, so there is a good chance you or a loved one could unknowingly be living with a sight-stealing disease.

What is age related macular degeneration?

Age related macular degeneration is an eye condition which affects the central part of your retina called the macula.

It causes progressive changes to your central vision, affecting the ability to read, drive, recognise faces and perform activities that require detailed vision.

Macular degeneration is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Risk factors include age, family history and smoking. But while it's not possible to change your family history or age, it is possible to reduce the risk of macular degeneration or slow progression of this by making positive diet and lifestyle changes.

Early symptoms and prevention

It is possible to have the very early signs of macular degeneration without even knowing. This is why it is vital to have regular vision tests by an eye care professional, particularly if you are at risk of the disease due to age, lifestyle factors or family history.

The Macular Disease Foundation Australia, a charity committed to reducing the incidence and impact of macular disease has outlined the following early signs to be aware of:

• Difficulty in reading or any other activity which requires fine vision
• Distortion where straight lines appear wavy or bent
• Difficulty distinguishing faces
• Dark patches or empty spaces appear in the centre of your vision
• The need for increased illumination, sensitivity to glare, decreased night vision and poor colour sensitivity may also indicate something is wrong.

If you or a loved one have already been diagnosed with macular degeneration, the foundation can also provide guidance and support to help with all aspects of the disease, including low vision, treatment and support services.