Are you fit to drive?

Transport for NSW needs to ensure that all drivers are medically fit and competent to drive. If you’re an older driver, or you have a medical condition, you may be asked to have regular medical tests. Some heavy vehicle drivers also need regular medical tests.

Medical standards

The medical standards for licensing and clinical management guidelines Assessing Fitness to Drive have been developed by the National Transport Commission and Austroads in consultation with a wide range of medical experts, peak medical bodies and colleges, the road transport industry and State and Territory licensing authorities. 

These guidelines have been adopted by all licensing authorities when assessing a licence holder’s medical fitness to drive.

Age-based medical reviews

When you reach 75 years of age, you’ll need to have a medical review every year to keep your licence. Transport for NSW will send you a form around eight weeks before your birthday, for your doctor to complete. See Older drivers for more information.

A medical review is required every year, even if you have a three or five year licence.

Medical reviews for heavy vehicle drivers

If you hold a class MC licence (road train or B-double multi-combination), you need to have a medical review more regularly:

  • At age 21, and then every 10 years

  • At age 40, and then every five years

  • At age 60, and then every two years

  • At age 70, and then every year.

Eyesight tests

All drivers must meet the eyesight standards set out in the publication Assessing Fitness to Drive. When you apply for, or renew your licence, you may be required to pass an eyesight test.

For car (class C) and rider (class R) licences, you need to pass an eyesight test every 10 years until you’re 45 years old, then every five years. Once you reach 75, you need to pass an eyesight test every year.

Note: Customers will need to pass an eyesight test when applying for a ten year licence. If a customer takes up the ten year licence renewal option and will be over 45 years of age within the ten year duration, the customer is exempt from having to pass an eyesight test until the next renewal.

For other vehicle licences (class LR and above), you need to pass an eyesight test, when renewing your licence.

If you only require glasses/contact lenses in specific circumstances, for example at night or when driving a heavy vehicle, this requirement will also be added as a condition on your licence.

BOOK YOUR FITNESS TO DRIVE EYE CHECK NOW!

Change in visual aids (glasses, contacts etc)

You must pass a new eyesight test if you start or stop wearing glasses or contact lenses to drive. If you pass the test wearing glasses or contact lenses a condition will be added to your licence.

If you pass the eyesight test without wearing glasses or contact lenses the condition will be removed.

Note: You must comply with the conditions of licence until you inform Transport for NSW and the condition is removed from your licence.

Completing a medical review and report

If you need to undergo a medical review, Transport for NSW will send you a letter around eight weeks before you’re due for the review. Accompanying the letter is a NSW Fitness to Drive Medical Assessment form, which your doctor needs to complete.

From 1 March 2017, health professionals can submit the medical assessment form online. Submitting medical assessments to Transport for NSW online is immediate and results in faster case reviews and saves you having to attend a service centre.

If your doctor states that you’re medically fit to drive and chooses to complete the paper based form instead of using the online system, you should take the completed form to a service centre.

If your doctor considers you medically unfit to drive, or they want to refer you to a second doctor, they may submit the medical report online, directly to Transport for NSW, for a decision about your licence. Transport for NSW will advise you of this decision soon after.

Note: The Medicare Benefits Schedule covers age or health related medical examinations, to obtain or renew a licence to drive a private vehicle (section G.13.1).

Overdue medical reports

If you do not provide a medical report to Transport for NSW before the due date, your licence may be suspended.

In some circumstances, and on a case-by-case basis, Transport for NSW may allow an extension of the due date. We recognise that it can be difficult to obtain an appointment with a doctor or specialist, especially in regional areas. An extension will only be given if you can prove that you’ve made arrangements to book an appointment well before the due date, even if the appointment cannot be made until afterwards.

No consideration for an extension will be given if you’ve reached the due date and/or been issued a suspension notice, unless you can prove you were absent from your address when the initial request and reminder notice were sent, and/or medical advice is provided confirming that your medical review is not yet finalised.

At Core Optique our highly trained optometrists are here to help you! If you have any questions please do not hesitate in contacting our professional staff.