You’re hitting 70 soon, or maybe you’re already there, and you love the freedom of driving to the shops, visiting family, or just taking a spin around town. But Australia is rolling out fresh rules in late 2025 to make sure everyone on the roads stays safe—especially you as a senior driver. These changes mean more regular medical checks, vision tests, shorter licence renewals in some spots, and possible on-road assessments if concerns pop up. Starting around October to December 2025 depending on your state, you’ll face mandatory fitness-to-drive evaluations from your GP, updated vision screenings, and easier digital renewals to cut the hassle.
No nationwide ban at 70—rules vary by state, but the focus is on keeping you mobile while protecting others. Expect to carry medical certificates when driving in places like Queensland, and know that doctors now flag issues like reflexes or cognition that could lead to restrictions. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to do, step by step, so you avoid fines, suspensions, or surprises at renewal time. We’ve pulled the latest from government sites and 2025 updates to keep it real and current.
Australia’s New Driving Licence Rules
You turn 70, and bam—things shift, but not everywhere the same. No blanket “stop driving at 70” rule across Australia. In NSW, from age 70 you might need a driving assessment or medical review at renewal. Queensland kicks in hard at 75: you must carry a current medical certificate every time you drive, or face fines. Victoria keeps it chill—no compulsory tests, but you report any health issues like strokes or vision loss to VicRoads yourself. Western Australia waits till 80 for annual medicals, but doctors can demand a practical test anytime if they worry. South Australia and Tasmania follow similar patterns: medicals ramp up at 75, with 1-2 year renewals. Northern Territory has no age-based medicals, just vision every 5 years and self-reporting conditions.
These hit late 2025 rollout—October in some reports, December 5 in others for full effect. Check your state’s transport site now; send-offs like renewal notices will spell it out. If you’re 70-74, expect basic checks every 2 years. At 75-79, it goes annual with vision. 80+? Full monty: medicals, possible on-road, every 6-12 months. Plan ahead—you don’t want your licence lapsing mid-grocery run.
Australia’s New Driving Licence Rules Key Details
| What Changes for You | Key Details by Age/State |
| Medical Tests | 70+: Every 1-2 years (GP check for vision, reflexes, cognition). 75+: Annual in NSW, QLD, VIC, WA. Carry certificate when driving (QLD fine $161 if not). |
| Licence Renewals | Shorter periods: 1-3 years vs 5. Digital options in most states. NSW: From 70, assessments possible. VIC: No mandatory test, but report conditions. |
| Vision & Cognitive | Mandatory at renewal. Peripheral vision, depth perception checked. Cognitive screens if doctor flags dementia risks. Every 1-5 years by state. |
| On-Road Tests | Triggered by health flags or history. Not routine, but required 80+ in WA or if concerns in NSW/QLD. Practice with instructor advised. |
| Safety Restrictions | Possible limits: Daytime only, auto transmission, no highways. Digital licences rolling out for easy tracking. |
| Official Website | https://austroads.gov.au/ |
Australia’s Driving Licence Medical Tests
You head to your GP for the big one: a fitness-to-drive certificate. They check vision, hearing, reflexes, coordination, heart health, diabetes control, and brain function—no dementia red flags allowed. It’s not a full MOT; takes 15-30 minutes. Cost? Around $50-100, Medicare might cover part. Frequency: Every 1-2 years from 70, annual at 75+ in NSW, QLD, SA. If you have epilepsy or Parkinson’s, expect specialist reports too.
Book early—queues are real. Bring your licence, meds list, and glasses. Doctor signs a form (state-specific, download from transport site). If they flag issues, no panic: you might get a conditional licence—like no night driving. Worst case? Referral for more tests or temp suspension, but you can appeal. In QLD, always carry that certificate; cops check it. Pro tip: Chat meds openly. Sleepers or blood pressure pills can slow reactions—your doc notes it.
Australia’s Driving Licence Vision and Cognitive Checks
You can’t drive if you can’t see. Expect Snellen chart tests for acuity (6/12 minimum), plus peripheral vision and night sight. Fail? Glasses fix most, or it’s restrictions. Cognitive? Quick Mini-Mental tests for memory, judgment. Not everywhere mandatory, but NSW/VIC might if GP suspects.
Get annual optometrist visits anyway—catches glaucoma early. In NT, vision every 5 years for all. Renewal time? Do it fresh, upload digitally where possible. Cost: $30-50. Simple fix: Clean specs, good lighting during test.
Australia’s Driving Licence How You Renew Step-by-Step
Your renewal notice arrives 6-8 weeks early—act fast. Online portals (myGov linked in most states) let you upload medical/vision forms, pay fees ($50-150), done. In-person? Service NSW/VicRoads centres. From 70 in NSW: Log eyesight, possible assessment. QLD 75+: Certificate must be <13 months old. VIC: Self-declare health.
Steps for you:
- 3 months out: Book GP/optometrist.
- Gather: ID, proof address, forms.
- Submit online—digital licence bonus in NSW/QLD.
- Fees vary; concessions for pensioners.
Shorter renewals now: 1 year at 75+, 2-3 later if clean. Health change mid-term? Report it, or risk fines.
Australia’s Driving Licence On-Road Tests: When and How
Not automatic—you trigger it via bad medicals, crashes, or random flags. 20-30 min drive with assessor: hazards, merges, parking. Pass? Renew. Fail? Training or restrictions. WA 80+: Likely. NSW 85+: Modified licence option.
Prep: Refresher lesson ($100/hr). Review handbook apps. Stay calm—it’s your familiar car usually. Only 10-20% fail; most sail through.
State-by-State Guide for You
- NSW: 70+ renewal eyes assessments/medical. 75+: Annual. 85+: Modified possible.
- VIC: No tests, report conditions. Medical if flagged.
- QLD: 75+: Annual medical, carry it, 3-year renewals.
- WA: 80+: Annual medical, possible practical.
- SA: 75+: 2-year with medical.
- TAS/ACT/NT: Medicals 75+, vision cycles, self-report.
Your state site has forms—bookmark now.
Safety Tips to Keep You Driving Longer
You adapt: Avoid peak hours, rest often, maintain car (tyres, lights). Hands-free calls, no rush. Alternatives ready: Buses, family lifts, Uber. Install dash cams for proof you’re safe. Track health—annual full check keeps surprises away.
You stay ahead by booking checks now, knowing your state’s quirks, and driving smart. These rules protect you and others—follow them, and you’ll cruise confidently into your 80s. Hit your transport site today; independence is worth the prep.
FAQ’s
Do you need tests every renewal at 70?
Not everywhere—VIC no, NSW/QLD yes at 75+. Check your state; medicals ramp up annually later.
What if your doc says no?
Conditions or appeal/on-road. Temp ban rare if you cooperate.
Digital renewals safe?
Yes, secure apps in NSW/QLD. Upload everything easy.
