Project objectives

Up until now, the focus at a national level for implementation of the national fitness to drive standards, Assessing Fitness to Drive (AFTD) has been on short term promotion at the time of release of a new edition. Longer term implementation efforts have been mainly at the discretion of Driver Licensing Authorities (DLAs) and other stakeholders.

Acknowledging this situation, Austroads endorsed an Implementation Framework in 2021. The framework positions implementation of Assessing Fitness to Drive in relation to the National Roads Safety Strategy (Safe People). Subsequently, Austroads has consulted with stakeholders to develop the Assessing Fitness to Drive Implementation Strategy 2022, setting out priorities and activities based on the Framework.

The Assessing Fitness to Drive implementation work is being supported by Fiona Landgren from Project Health. Fiona has been involved in the development, review and implementation of the Standards since 2002 and has led the development and consultation around the current Implementation Framework and Implementation Strategy.

Phase 3 Implementation

Austroads has completed Phase 1 and 2 of the implementation work. Phase 3 of this important work will be commencing in the 2022-23 financial year.

Our objectives for Phase 3 implementation are as follows:

  • help to embed Assessing Fitness to Drive implementation as a national initiative linked to the ongoing maintenance of the Standards
  • engage Driver Licensing Authorities and other stakeholders to form a collaborative ‘community of practice’ to address implementation barriers and share knowledge and resources
  • build engagement with the transport industry regarding fitness to drive of commercial vehicle drivers
  • enhance and embed education for the wide range of health professionals managing fitness to drive, including those involved in fitness for duty assessments of commercial vehicle drivers
  • improve the quality and consistency of fitness to drive management
  • achieve greater consumer engagement in the fitness to drive process.

This project is overseen by the Registration & Licensing Task Force which is part of the Austroads Road Safety and Design Program.

Your feedback about AFTD

We value your feedback at any time as input into our continuous improvement process. Please use the online feedback form to alert us to issues you would like addressed in the ongoing development and implementation of the Assessing Fitness to Drive Standards.

Project contact

Project Manager: An Rendell
P: +61 2 8265 3340
Email: arendell@austroads.com.au