What are the key reforms?
- Annual medical check-ups now start from the age of 75, instead of 80. Eight weeks before your birthday each year, you’ll receive a medical report form for your doctor to complete, which you’ll need to return to any NSW motor registry.
- Practical driving assessments for drivers from the age of 85 will now be every two years (age 85, 87, 89 etc) instead of every year.
- Drivers now have the option of taking a driving assessment from home. Assessments can now be conducted by driving instructors accredited by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), on a ‘fee for service’ basis. This gives you the option to take an assessment from your home rather than from any NSW motor registry. However, you still have the option of taking the driving assessment from Roads and Maritime Services at no charge.
- Drivers have the option of a modified licence and will not be required to take an assessment. If you’re still a competent driver but no longer feel comfortable driving in certain situations (for example, driving over long distances), talk to your local NSW motor registry. The manager may issue you with a modified licence based on your individual driving needs. A practical assessment is not required for a modified licence.
What is a ‘modified’ licence?
Older drivers may opt for a modified licence on their licence renewal without the need for a driving assessment. The options that can be negotiated on a ‘modified licence’ may include a radius restriction or a ‘home to town’. Modified licence holders will not be required to undertake a driving test or driving assessment.
What is involved in driving assessment conducted by a driving instructor?
A licensed driving instructor accredited by Roads and Maritime Services to conduct driving assessment will be able assess an older driver’s competency and be able to recommend them for their licence or identify areas that may need further action prior to a further assessment. These driving instructors will conduct the assessment in the driver’s local area.
Will older drivers have to do a driving test with Roads and Maritime Services at a motor registry?
No, to obtain an unrestricted driver licence a driver 85 years or over will have a choice of an driving test conducted by Roads and Maritime Services or a driving assessment by a licensed driving instructor. Driving assessments conducted by a driving instructor will commence from the older drivers’ home. Alternatively, older drivers may opt for a modified licence on their licence renewal without the need for a driving assessment.
What is the difference between a driving assessment and a driving test?
A driving test is carried out by Roads and Maritime Services at local motor registries for no charge. Older drivers have a maximum of three attempts to pass their driving test before their 85th birthday, and also every two years after the age of 85.
A driving assessment is a new option available where older drivers can choose to have a driving assessment from home at their own convenience. The assessment is similar to a driving test but carried out by an accredited assessor. An older driver can have as many assessments as they like, but they must pass an assessment before their 85th birthday, and also every two years after the age of 85, to keep their licence.
Please note: accredited assessors charge for their services so it will cost older drivers to have each assessment.
Click here for a full list of accredited assessors. Alternatively call 13 22 13 or visit your local motor registry.
How does an older driver arrange a driving assessment from home?
They will need to contact an accredited assessor directly to book an assessment from home. Click here for a full list of accredited assessors. Alternatively phone 13 22 13 or visit your local motor registry.
When booking an assessment with accredited assessors have them confirm the fee they will be charging. The fee is paid directly to the assessor. Roads and Maritime Services recommends that older drivers compare the services and fees of several accredited assessors before booking an assessment.
I’ve already received my letter to do my annual driving test. Will I be able to apply for a ‘modified’ licence?
Yes.
What fees will apply?
The driving test conducted by Roads and Maritime Services will continue to be provided at no charge. The driving assessment conducted by accredited driving instructors will be on a ‘user pays’ basis. Older drivers will be able to choose any driving instructor accredited by Roads and Maritime Services to deliver the assessment.
Can any driving instructor conduct the driving assessment?
No, only driving instructors who are accredited by Roads and Maritime Services will be able to conduct the assessment.