---

Should elderly drivers have to undergo annual driving tests once they reach a certain age ?

How many times have you thought that an elderly person driving a car should not be on the road ?

I am slowly heading towards the elderly age group myself, and I do notice that my driving ability is slowing down, but will I know when I should stop driving ?

Will I realise when my driving ability is more of a danger to others?

On the basis of my answers to the above questions, I am in favour of some sort of testing for older drivers, to be able to continue driving.

An annual test has been mentioned for drivers over 75.  I am not sure about a full test at normal prices, but a short test, with no charge, would or should, be acceptable to most people.  I am aware that in NSW, the over 85′s currently get the bi-annual test free of charge.

This test could be carried out by police officers or similar.  It is after all their job to protect the public.  Carrying out such short tests would be a great service to the community.  A simple test like this would probably allow the majority to pass, and those that the “Testing Officer” deemed not suitable for driving, should then be allowed to take a full test, to determine their ability at a driving test centre.

The ABS population figures for Australia shows that 5.8% of Australians are over 75. But figures for Victorian drivers over 75 years of age show that 9% of driver deaths from 2000-2008 were caused by drivers over this age. source. This is a very high proportion when we consider that the elderly actually drive much smaller distances than the younger age groups.

Current laws for driving tests for elderly drivers are:

ACT:

NSW: Bi-Annual test required for age 85 and over. And a medical test from the age of 75.  www.rta.nsw.gov.au

NT: No data found. www.nt.gov.au

QLD:  No Test data found. Medical required from age 75, but this may last 5 years. www.tmr.qld.gov.au

SA: Annual Medical Test only after age 70. www.sa.gov.au

Tas:  No Data Found. www.transport.tas.gov.au

Vic: Drivers over 75 are issued with a maximum of a 3 year licence. www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

WA:  Annual Test from age 85, and Medical at ages 75, 78, 80 and then annually. www.transport.wa.gov.au

The above information all refers to a standard Car Driving Licence.

If this is your company, click here to have adverts removed,
and more of your company information included.