1:30min
Optometrists may be asked to assess patients for an E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption following new Queensland requirements that commenced on 31 August 2026.
Under the new requirements, people aged 16 years and over who cannot hold a driver licence because of a medical condition or disability may be eligible for an E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption.
As AHPRA-registered health practitioners, optometrists may be asked to complete the E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form (F5464) where the reason a patient cannot hold a driver licence falls within their professional scope of practice.
For optometrists, this would generally apply where a vision or eye disorder prevents the patient from holding a driver licence.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has advised that the exemption assessment is not the same as a driver licence vision assessment.
There are currently no prescribed visual acuity or visual field thresholds for e-mobility exemptions and the assessment does not require practitioners to assess fitness to drive against the Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines.
Instead, health practitioners are required to use their professional knowledge and judgement to determine whether the rider appears capable of safely operating their specified e-mobility device.
What does this mean for optometrists?
Optometrists should only complete an exemption where the assessment falls within their professional scope of practice.
The optometrist must also:
- have an ongoing practitioner-patient relationship with the person
- be actively involved in managing the relevant condition
- have sufficient knowledge of the patient’s condition and its potential impact on their ability to safely use their type of e-mobility device
- consider the patient’s individual circumstances and clinical presentation.
The absence of prescribed visual standards means a person may be unable to meet the vision standards required to hold a driver licence but may still be considered capable of safely operating an e-mobility device.
TMR has advised Optometry Australia that this could potentially include some people with reduced visual acuity, restricted visual fields, monocular vision or other vision and eye disorders affecting their eligibility for a driver licence.
The assessment should therefore be individualised and based on the patient’s visual condition, clinical presentation and the optometrist’s professional judgement.
Importantly, signing the exemption does not mean the optometrist is conducting a formal fitness-to-drive assessment.
What should I do if a patient presents with an exemption form?
1. Confirm the reason for the exemption is within your scope
The patient’s inability to hold a driver licence should relate to a vision or eye disorder that you are appropriately qualified to assess and manage.
If the assessment involves medical conditions outside your scope of practice, you should not certify matters you are not appropriately qualified to assess.
2. Undertake an appropriate clinical assessment
There are no prescribed visual acuity or visual field thresholds for e-mobility exemptions.
Your assessment should be appropriate to the patient’s condition and circumstances and provide a reasonable basis for your professional judgement about whether they appear capable of safely operating their specified e-mobility device.
TMR notes that practitioners may, where appropriate, consider existing documentation about the person’s functional impairment. An observed test ride may also be used to assist in forming an opinion, although neither is mandatory.
3. Consider whether conditions are appropriate
If the patient’s visual impairment may affect their safe use of an e-mobility device in particular circumstances, conditions can be recorded on the exemption.
Examples include:
- corrective lenses must be worn
- daylight riding only
- riding under supervision.
Any conditions should be recorded on the exemption form and discussed with the rider and their carer or support person where relevant.
4. Determine an appropriate expiry period
An exemption can be issued for up to five years.
The expiry period should reflect the nature and stability of the patient’s condition and your professional judgement. If the person’s condition changes and this affects their ability to ride safely, their eligibility should be reviewed.
5. Complete and sign form F5464
The E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form can be completed physically or digitally using a digital signature.
When completing the form, practitioners should verify the applicant’s declaration, complete the health practitioner declaration and provide an appropriate expiry date.
The form does not require details of the rider’s medical condition or disability to be included.
What happens to the completed form?
The completed exemption is not submitted to TMR.
Once the optometrist has completed and signed the form, it should be returned to the patient.
The rider must carry the exemption while riding and can carry either the original physical form or a digital copy, such as a photograph of the completed form on their phone.
Optometrists should retain appropriate documentation in the patient’s clinical record, including:
- the assessment undertaken
- relevant clinical findings
- the reason the exemption was considered appropriate
- any conditions recommended
- the expiry period provided.
TMR does not require practitioners to submit or register completed exemptions.
A reminder about scope of practice
If you do not have sufficient information to determine whether a patient can safely operate their e-mobility device, or the assessment involves conditions outside your professional scope, you should not certify matters outside your scope of practice.
The Queensland Government has also confirmed that motorised mobility devices, such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs, do not require a driver licence or this exemption form.
There is a transition period for riders obtaining an exemption. From 30 November 2026, riders who rely on a medical or disability exemption must have their exemption when riding without a valid driver licence.
Further information
Optometry Australia will continue to liaise with TMR regarding implementation of these requirements and any issues affecting optometrists.
If members encounter difficulties or have questions about the new process, contact the Policy and Advocacy team at policy@optometry.org.au.
Further information: Assessing driver licence exemptions for riding e-mobility devices – Queensland Government
E-Mobility Driver Licence Exemption form (F5464): Download form F5464