Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.
Share this @internewscast.com
A fatal car accident in Melbourne involving a 91-year-old driver yesterday has ignited renewed discussion regarding senior drivers on Australian roads.

Authorities suspect the nonagenarian lost control of a Toyota Yaris, resulting in the fatality of one pedestrian and serious injuries to two others, including a toddler.

In some states and territories, drivers over a certain age are required to undergo regular medical checks and driving evaluations to retain their license, but Victoria does not mandate this.

Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand.
Close up of senior man holding one hand on gearshift and other on steering wheel while sitting in his car. Selective focus on hand. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In Queensland, for example, older drivers can be fined $161 for driving without proof that they’ve undergone the required medical checks.

Other states and territories encourage older drivers to assess their own driving abilities as they age.

Here’s everything you need to know about how each state and territory manages older drivers.

Rules for older drivers by state and territory

Starting at age 75, all drivers must partake in an annual medical assessment of their ability to drive and complete an older driver or rider test if a doctor advises.

Drivers who hold a multi-combination (MC) licence must complete an annual older driver or rider test.

It is a practical assessment that lasts 15-20 minutes and tests the driver’s performance and ability to maintain safe driving behaviours.

From the age of 80, all drivers must undergo a yearly medical assessment for fitness to drive and complete an older driver or rider test if recommended by a doctor.

Drivers who hold a heavy vehicle licence (classes LR, MR, HR or HC) or MC licence must complete an annual older driver or rider test every year.

From the age of 85, all drivers must undergo a yearly medical assessment for fitness to drive.

Drivers who hold a car or rider unrestricted licence must complete an older driver or rider test every two years.

Drivers with a heavy vehicle licence or MC licence must complete the test annually.

The Leading Causes of Road Crashes in Australia

New data reveals the leading causes of road crashes in Australia

From the age of 75, all drivers must see a doctor annually to asses their medical fitness to drive, and carry a current medical certificate when driving.

Driving without a medical certificate carries a fine of $161.

Drivers who have a medical condition that affects their driving must also submit their medical certificate to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

In some cases, the driver will be issued a conditional driver licence or have their licence suspended or cancelled if the medical condition impacts their ability to drive safely.

From the age of 75, drivers can only renew their licence every three years, rather than every three or ten years.

No other age-based rules apply.

However, all drivers with a permanent or long-term illness, disability, medical condition or injury must report it to Transport Victoria’s Medical Review team.

The driver may be asked to undergo a medical review, driving test or other assessment and may have conditions placed on their driving or have their licence suspended or cancelled if they are unfit to drive.

Australian Capital Territory

From the age of 70, drivers with heavy vehicle licences (class MR and above) are required to undergo a medical examination annually.

Those who hold public vehicle licences must undergo a medical assessment annually and pass a driving assessment relevant to the vehicle they drive (eg a taxi or bus).

All licence holders aged 75 or older must undergo yearly medical assessments from their doctor to prove their fitness to drive.

Older drivers are encouraged to regularly assess their own fitness to drive.

Any driver with a medical condition or disability that may affect their ability to drive safely may be required to undergo periodic medical assessments and/or driving tests.

They may have conditions applied to their licence based on the outcomes of those tests.

Older drivers are encouraged to be aware of changes that could affect their driving ability.

All drivers must undergo a vision test every five years.

Any driver may be required to get a medical assessment of fitness to drive if they have a medical condition or disability that may affect their driving ability.

The results of that assessment may lead to the driver having specific conditions added to their licence, or having their licence suspended or cancelled.

This common sign seen on cars is actually illegal

Having this sign on your car could land you a $2200 fine

From the age of 70, drivers who hold a licence for a class of vehicle other than a car (e.g. heavy vehicle, motorbike) must undergo a medical assessment when renewing.

From the age of 75, drivers hold a class “C” (car) licence and do not have a medical condition will receive an annual compulsory fitness to drive self-assessment in the mail.

From the age of 85, drivers who hold a licence for a class of vehicle other than a car will have to complete an annual practical driving test.

Any driver may be required to take a practical driving assessment if their doctor deems it necessary.

From the age of 80, drivers must undergo an annual medical assessment in order to renew their licence.

A doctor may request an older driver take a practical driving assessment as well.

From the age of 85, drivers who hold a licence for a Light Rigid (LR) class or higher class vehicle must undergo annual practical driving assessments.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Melbourne’s Oldest Bookshop Gets a New Home with Help from Hundreds

Book by book, hand to hand — hundreds formed a human chain…

“Brazil’s President Threatens Equivalent Retaliation to Trump’s Tariff Plan, Vows ‘We’ll Impose a 50% Charge'”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his desire for a…

US and NATO to Provide Ukraine with Weapons Ahead of Key Announcement on Russia

Donald Trump has announced that the United States will be providing weapons…

Family of Detained Palestinian Woman Raises Concerns After Her Australian Visa is Revoked

Relatives of a 62-year-old Palestinian woman who fled Gaza say they have…
Man charged over alleged $20 million cocaine plot

Man Accused in Alleged $20 Million Cocaine Scheme

A man is set to appear in court later this year, following…
Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash but ended up broke.

Sabrina Tried a Popular Side Hustle for Extra Cash, But It Ended Badly

Exclusive: Sabrina wanted to make some extra cash. Chloe* followed other local…
Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was hit and run over by a dirt bike in Sydney's far south-west yesterday.

Search for Motorcyclist After Dirt Bike Incident Involving 9-Year-Old Girl

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a girl was…
Geologist James Hagadorn closes boxes of core rock samples at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on July 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

Discovery Made by US Dinosaur Museum Beneath Its Parking Lot

A US museum famous for its dinosaur exhibits has discovered a fossil…
Bluey coin

Bluey Thieves Await Judgment After Stealing 63,000 Coins

Two men are set to spend several months in jail awaiting their…

The “Saltwater Cowboys” Bringing New Life to Australia’s Historic Sea Cucumber Industry

Three brittle brown cylinders rest in Michael Wear’s palm, each the length…

Russia unleashes lethal attack on Ukraine; US restarts arms shipments

Russian drones and missiles bore down on the Ukrainian capital early on…
Carolina Wilga, 26, has been backpacking through Australia for the past two years and works on mines to fund her stay at hostels.

Latest Updates on the Missing Backpacker’s Whereabouts in Western Australia’s Outback

Police discovered the unique Mitsubishi Delica van that the 26-year-old had been…