SENIOR DRIVER SAFETY
Medical Assessments and Fitness to Drive in South Australia
Medical fitness to drive is about whether a person can safely perform the visual, cognitive and physical tasks needed for driving. Age alone does not decide fitness. A medical condition also does not automatically mean a person will lose a licence. The condition, its treatment, the type of licence and the person’s functional ability all matter.
What may need to be reported
In South Australia, a driver or their medical practitioner must report a medical condition that could affect the ability to drive. Reporting may occur when applying for or renewing a licence or when a condition is diagnosed. Conditions that may affect driving include blackouts, cardiovascular and heart conditions, diabetes treated with insulin or tablets, hearing loss, neurological conditions such as epilepsy, seizures, dementia or head injury, psychiatric conditions, sleep disorders, arthritis, and vision or eye disorders.
Possible outcomes
Possible outcomes may include continuing to drive, medical monitoring, a conditional or restricted licence, further assessment, treatment before driving resumes, or stopping driving. The exact decision belongs to the licensing authority and relevant health professionals.
The main pathways are different:
1. Medical fitness self-assessment
A person who holds a car licence, is over 75 and has no medical condition already recorded must complete an annual self-assessment, usually around their birthday. If any answer is “yes” or “unsure”, a medical practitioner must complete the remaining part.
2. Certificate of fitness
A driver with a recorded medical condition may be asked to submit a certificate completed by a medical practitioner. Some conditions require a specialist letter.
3. Medical consultation
A doctor assesses the condition and treatment against the applicable medical standards. The doctor supplies medical information; the licensing authority makes the licensing decision.
4. Practical driving assessment
In some cases the Department for Infrastructure and Transport may require an on-road assessment. This is not the same as a routine driving lesson or learner-driver test.
5. Occupational therapy driving assessment
Where functional or cognitive effects require detailed assessment, a specially qualified occupational therapist may assess driving and recommend strategies, vehicle modifications or further action.
Useful preparation for an appointment
- take the form or notice received from Service SA;
- bring an up-to-date medication list, glasses and hearing aids;
- describe recent driving difficulties honestly, including near misses, getting lost, delayed reactions, glare, fatigue or pain;
- ask how the condition and each medicine may affect driving;
- ask whether temporary limits, such as avoiding night driving or busy traffic, are appropriate while awaiting a formal decision;
- do not drive to the appointment if a doctor has told you not to drive or you feel unsafe.
For families and supporters
Families should focus on specific observations rather than labels: new dents, repeated confusion at familiar intersections, missed signs, unexplained near misses, difficulty turning to check, getting lost or marked changes after illness or medication. Start the conversation respectfully and involve the person’s doctor where appropriate.
What the Association can and cannot do
The Association can explain official information and help a person locate the correct pathway. It cannot diagnose a condition, certify fitness, conduct an occupational therapy assessment or decide a licence outcome. For current requirements, use SA.GOV.AU or contact Service SA.
Urgent safety boundary and official sources
Urgent safety boundary: sudden loss of consciousness, new severe vision change, acute confusion, uncontrolled seizure, severe dizziness or another sudden symptom that may make driving unsafe requires immediate medical attention. Do not drive yourself for urgent care.
SA.GOV.AU: Medical conditions and fitness to drive
SA.GOV.AU: Report a medical condition
SA.GOV.AU: Complete your self-assessment
SA.GOV.AU: Certificate of fitness
Austroads: Assessing Fitness to Drive
Review date: 15 August 2026.