Assessing Fitness to Drive

This publication is presented in three parts.

Part A comprises general information including:

• the principles of assessing fitness to drive
• specific considerations including:
• the assessment of people with multiple medical conditions or age-related change
• the management of temporary conditions, progressive disorders and undifferentiated illness
• the effects of prescription and over-the-counter drugs
• the role of practical driver assessments and driver rehabilitation
• the roles and responsibilities of drivers, licensing authorities and health professionals
• what standards to apply (private or commercial) for particular driver classes
• the application of conditional licences
• the steps involved in assessing fitness to drive.

Part B comprises a series of chapters relating to relevant medical systems/diseases. The medical requirements for unconditional and conditional licences are summarised in a tabulated format to differentiate between the requirements for private and commercial vehicle drivers. Additional information, including the rationale for the standards, as well as a general assessment and management considerations, is provided in the supporting text of each chapter.

Part C, the appendices, comprises further supporting information including:

• regulatory requirements for driver assessment in each jurisdiction
• guidance on forms for the examination process and reporting to the driver licensing authority
• legislation relating to driver and health professional reporting of medical conditions
• legislation relating to blood alcohol, seatbelt use, helmet use and alcohol interlocks
• contacts for services relating to disabled parking and transport, occupational therapist assessments and driver licensing authorities.