People suffering permanent or long term illness, injury or incapacity may find that their ability to drive is compromised.  There is a formal requirement under Australian laws that any person who holds a driver’s licence and who suffers a permanent or long term illness, injury or incapacity that could impair their ability to drive safely must tell the relevant road transport authority as soon as possible.  In some states you are only allowed seven days to report in while in others there are penalties for failing to do so.

Medical standards are imposed on various medical conditions and there are others if you’re taking certain medications or undergoing some treatments. Each authority will consider the medical standards if any of the following are relevant:

• Alcohol dependency
• Aesthetic
• Cancer
• Cardio-vascular diseases
• Diabetes
• Drugs – illicit or prescription
• Epilepsy
• Gastro-intestinal disorders
• Hearing
• HIV/Aids
• Metabolic and endocrine disorders
• Muscular-skeletal disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Older drivers
• Pregnancy
• Psychiatric disorders
• Renal failure
• Respiratory diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Syncope - blackouts
• Vestibular disorders
• Vision and eye disorders.

Having an illness or condition may not mean that you are prohibited from driving.  It may mean an adjustment such as wearing glasses when driving. Other factors which may influence a requirement are:

• It is an automatic car
• Are there hand-operator controls
• Do you only drive in daylight hours
• Only drive in off-peak periods
• Only drive when the temperature is less than 25 degrees unless the vehicle is air-conditioned
• You undertake periodic reviews
• You only drive a certain distance within a 24 hour period.

There are many more examples that are applicable so it’s important for you to check with your local traffic authority and notify them of your condition.

Austroads Incorporated

publishes a useful guide relating to medical standards for licensing and clinical management guidelines. It’s important to consult your doctor and the medical authority rather than relying on your own interpretation of the standards.
www.austroads.com.au