(Updated 9 April 2020)
Australia Capital Territory
ACT Government has not yet relaxed their medical certification rules due to COVID-19. However, they are encouraging licence holders to:
- Renew online with a quick 5 step process (even if patient presents with a form requiring VA, it may still allow licence holder to renew online without VA, and certify via a tick box that they will need to complete a VA test within next 6 months).
- If online pathway is not allowed or possible (sometimes due to existing restrictions on their licence), the form needs to be completed as per usual.
New South Wales
Transport for NSW has deferred the need for drivers over the age of 75 to undertake a medical review to confirm they are fit to drive. During the deferral period, drivers over 75 who fall under a non-high-risk category are no longer required to undertake a medical review to renew their drivers’ licence. Drivers who are considered at high risk including those who require specialist review, police identified drivers, and heavy vehicle drivers are still required to undertake a medical assessment. The deferral is for a period of up to 12 months from Monday 23 March.
Website: https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/health/fit-to-drive.html
Northern Territory
TBC
Queensland
Optometry QLD/NT division and members have strongly advocated to the QLD Government in this space.
For licence holders 75 and over, two changes will be in place from 10 April 2020:
- Medical certificates to drive that expired after 29 January 2020 will be considered valid until 6 months after the COVID-19 emergency ends.
- During the COVID-19 emergency period, drivers aged 75 or over won’t be committing an offence if they are driving without holding a valid medical certificate.
Licence holders who are 75 years or older and have an ‘M’ condition on their driver licence will need to call 13 23 80 or email medcert@tmr.qld.gov.au to have their medical certificate extended.
Website: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/covid-19-transport/medical-review-changes-for-drivers-over-75
South Australia
The requirement to submit a certificate of fitness has been relaxed for some licence holders. Please note, this is a temporary measure and is dependent on licence class and type of medical condition (if any). Licence holders will be advised of their specific requirements once further measures are implemented. License holders should call 13 10 84 to see if they meet the exemption criteria.
Website: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/drivers-licence/medical-fitness-to-drive
Tasmania
Licence holders 65 years of age and over whose licence is due for renewal from 1 April – 30 September 2020 will automatically have their licence renewed for one year at no cost using existing photos. Drivers will receive their licence via the post prior to their licence expiring. Registration and Licensing will contact all licence holders impacted.
A risk-based assessment of all medical fitness to drive requirements for licence holders has been undertaken. Where low to medium risk is identified the requirement to provide the assessment will be deferred for 6 months and where applicable conditions added to a driver’s licence.
Licence holders with high risk conditions will still be required to provide a medical fitness to drive assessment. Patients will be advised if they are required to provide a medical fitness to drive assessment or have had conditions placed on their licence.
Licence holders can contact 1300 13 55 13
Website: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/clientsupport
Victoria
VicRoads have suspended all light vehicle drive tests and computer-based license tests until further notice. For questions surrounding individuals with existing reviews, members and patients can contact the VicRoads Medical Review team at (03) 8391 3224 or medicalcasemanagers@roads.vic.gov.au In some cases, assessment may be deferred with the provision of a conditional licence while waiting for reports. Requirements are being reviewed frequently.
Website: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Western Australia
WA Government has issued a general statement to advise they are currently reviewing requirements for elderly driver medical assessments.
For those who have been issued a Fitness to Drive form (M106A/M107A/M108A) prior to the impact of Coronavirus, please direct them to contact 13 11 56 to discuss their circumstance.
Website: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/03/Temporary-licensing-changes-in-place-to-help-elderly-and-essential-workers.aspx