The aim of determining fitness to drive is to achieve a balance between minimising any driving-related road safety risks for the individual and the community posed by the driver’s permanent or long-term injury or illness, and maintaining the driver’s lifestyle and employment-related mobility independence.

The key question is: Is there a likelihood the person will be unable to control the vehicle and act or react appropriately to the driving environment in a safe, consistent and timely manner?

The general principles should be considered in conjunction with the specific standards outlined in Part B of this publication. The key considerations are:

• the driving task
• the potential impact of medical conditions including the interaction of multiple medical conditions
• the driver’s functional abilities in relation to driving including their capacity to compensate and the need for rehabilitation.