Changes to Elderly Licensing

[Grennan]

Looks like NSW has introduced changes to the licensing of older people. Not a huge change, but it is a change and hopefully something that can be adopted elsewhere.

Havent seen this posted anywhere so read with glee.

The changes include:

Annual medical check-ups now start from the age of 75, instead of 80. Eight weeks before your birthday each year, you’ll receive a medical report form for your doctor to complete, which you’ll need to return to any RTA motor registry.

Practical driving assessments for drivers from the age of 85 will now be every two years (age 85, 87, 89 etc) instead of every year

. (Hmm not so good)

Drivers now have the option of taking a driving assessment from home.
Assessments can now be conducted in many areas of NSW by driving instructors accredited by the RTA, on a ‘fee for service’ basis. This gives you the option to take an assessment from your home rather than from an RTA motor registry. However, you still have the option of taking the driving assessment from the RTA at no charge.

(If they cant get down to their local RTA why are they driving in the first place?)

Drivers have the option of a modified licence and will not be required to take an assessment. If you’re still a competent driver but no longer feel comfortable driving in certain situations (for example, driving over long distances), talk to your local RTA motor registry. The manager may issue you with a modified licence based on your individual driving needs. A practical assessment is not required for a modified licence.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...id=olderdriver

Now it seems NSW already had an elderly driving scheme, why dont other states? I know Victoria doesnt, Im pretty sure QLD doesnt as my Grandma would be off the road.

[Emackulation]

Im pretty sure QLD is behind every state and are the biggest rippoff for vehicle registration, we pay like 200-300$ more then other states. Also, we pay the most yet our roads are the worst, cmon QLD GOV get your fingers out your a$$ and do somthing for us!

[Stressball]

They had next year's QLD Rego listed in the paper yesterday. For a 6cyl commodore in the NT, it's $155/year for rego, plus CTP, in NSW it was something like $250-300 + CTP. Here, it's going to be $405 + CTP.

Old *and incompetent* drivers are a huge problem everywhere, much as people will argue against it. You can be old and still a good driver, I know this. Just as you can be relatively young and still be incompetent. They really need annual checkups for elderly drivers and all that crap to get the dodgy drivers off the road.

Good thing NSW is moving ahead with these changes, sucks balls that the other states haven't gotten anywhere near as far though

[LightningVP]

(If they cant get down to their local RTA why are they driving in the first place?)

I'd say that would be there in case they are busy...There are many elderly people out their looking after grandchildren because their parents are no longer around/unable to care for them.

I know it ****es me off when I HAVE to go to Vicroads, bank or anywhere else just to submit something that can easily be done over the phone

[TVR-190]

bout time NSW government did something right

[minux]

I think these should start at 50 to be honest.

In fact, they should be done from day one. We know an epileptic person who got their licence..it is bloody crazy they are allowed to drive.

[CSP]

I agree... Everyone should have to maintain a certain standard. I can create a hell of a lot more devastation with a car licence than I can with an F88 but to be authorised to use an F88 you must pass a test every 12 months.

[STEALTHY™]

I think these should start at 50 to be honest.

In fact, they should be done from day one. We know an epileptic person who got their licence..it is bloody crazy they are allowed to drive.

I think the opposite, depending on the condition.

My best friend from school is epileptic, had never had an issue as the medication was controlling it, then he had a fit (not while driving tho) and the doctor cancelled his license on the spot. Which means no way to get his missus and kid around, and no job.




On this elderly thing, it'll be too little too late. Stop the discrimination ****, an assessment every year, for every driver thanks.

[Stressball]

I think the opposite, depending on the condition.

My best friend from school is epileptic, had never had an issue as the medication was controlling it, then he had a fit (not while driving tho) and the doctor cancelled his license on the spot. Which means no way to get his missus and kid around, and no job.

Assess all you like, but you've proven that this is necessary. His meds did NOT prevent a fit. Only once, but it only takes once for it to happen behind the wheel to get somebody killed.

[STEALTHY™]

Assess all you like, but you've proven that this is necessary. His meds did NOT prevent a fit. Only once, but it only takes once for it to happen behind the wheel to get somebody killed.

I don't know the situation of why it happened, but chances are it was because he didn't take them. I see alot worse behind the wheel, and there by people who have no restrictions to drive.

[ProphetVX]

Im pretty sure QLD is behind every state and are the biggest rippoff for vehicle registration, we pay like 200-300$ more then other states. Also, we pay the most yet our roads are the worst, cmon QLD GOV get your fingers out your a$$ and do somthing for us!

But your insurance costs are substantially less than that of NSW. One of my mates moved to QLD and he pays $600 less on insurance a year than he did here. Not to mention 10c less a liter of fuel...

[Emackulation]

But your insurance costs are substantially less than that of NSW. One of my mates moved to QLD and he pays $600 less on insurance a year than he did here. Not to mention 10c less a liter of fuel...

Well where I live fuel is $1.10 a Litre for normal. My insurance is great.

[TVR-190]

in syd its 94.9c yesterday

[Stressball]

Hehe we've had iut down to 85c/L yesterday here.

And as for insurance, just gotta shop around. There are complete ripoffs, and there are good deals. Maybe we just get more good deals up here

[STEALTHY™]

Hehe we've had iut down to 85c/L yesterday here.

And as for insurance, just gotta shop around. There are complete ripoffs, and there are good deals. Maybe we just get more good deals up here

Its well known sydney is the most expensive place to insure a car, purely for the crime rate.

[ProphetVX]

Its well known sydney is the most expensive place to insure a car, purely for the crime rate.

It is also more heavily taxed in NSW, especially from a greenslip perspective.

[jules]

Annual medical check-ups now start from the age of 75, instead of 80

the elderly are by far the best customers for doctors. the elderly also highly value their mobility (ability to drive). common business sense dictates that you don't upset your best customers. i think you'll find very few doctors willing to declare elderly patients unfit to drive (this is already well known).

[ProphetVX]

the elderly are by far the best customers for doctors. the elderly also highly value their mobility (ability to drive). common business sense dictates that you don't upset your best customers. i think you'll find very few doctors willing to declare elderly patients unfit to drive (this is already well known).

There should be designated "testing" doctors for each RTA locality. To ensure impartiality and consistency. One of my neighbours a while ago had a stroke, she lacked the ability to speak properly and her motor functions were severely impacted by it. Yet her doctor still gave her the OK to drive. It's a scary thought how lax this tests are.

[Julie]

I've always thought that these elderly restricted licences were bull****. I can't remember the deal but if they too incompetent to get their full licence they can get a limited one that lets them drive anywhere in there house with in a certain radius (can't remember the distance 15kms maybe?)

I'm of the opinion if they can not drive competantly they should not have a licence period. Theres still plenty of opportunity for them to cause accident or worse close to home. I've had many close calls with these old farts that should have handed their licences in 20 years ago. I know they value their mobility but I value my life and the lives of my family more!

[commsirac]

(If they cant get down to their local RTA why are they driving in the first place?)
.

Did you give this more than a few moments thought?

Local RTA office, geez, even in melbourne the closest one to me is an hour and half return journey. Many elderly drivers find driving for that length of time very taxing. If they can drive safely and pass the standard test, why put them and everyone else at risk getting them to go beyond something they feel comfortable with and make them drive for close to an hour and a half or more in heavy traffic, Im sure in regional areas it must be a lot more.
I now have parents who are getting on, they know their limitations and a quite competent in doing the short trips 5-20mins around where they live. Why make them put themselves and others at risk by doing something even they know they are not up to.

[STEALTHY™]

Did you give this more than a few moments thought?

Local RTA office, geez, even in melbourne the closest one to me is an hour and half return journey. Many elderly drivers find driving for that length of time very taxing. If they can drive safely and pass the standard test, why put them and everyone else at risk getting them to go beyond something they feel comfortable with and make them drive for close to an hour and a half or more in heavy traffic, Im sure in regional areas it must be a lot more.
I now have parents who are getting on, they know their limitations and a quite competent in doing the short trips 5-20mins around where they live. Why make them put themselves and others at risk by doing something even they know they are not up to.

If you can't drive for a few hours, you can't drive for 2 minutes. Did you think for more than a monent, or do you need me to link wikipedia for you.

[ProphetVX]

If you can't drive for a few hours, you can't drive for 2 minutes. Did you think for more than a monent, or do you need me to link wikipedia for you.

What a load of bollocks... You honestly think because someone can't or isn't willing to drive for 2 or 3 hours, they are not capable of driving up to the local shops to grab some milk and bread?

Driving is a tiring exercise, the concentration required becomes quite a demanding task for many as they get older. It does not mean they are not capable of short trips, but it does mean they cannot travel for hours on end.

If that is your logic, why not make everyone travel interstate to renew their license? Surely if they're not capable of driving 10 hours with no stops, then surely they cannot drive to the local shopping center.

[Grennan]

Did you give this more than a few moments thought?

Local RTA office, geez, even in melbourne the closest one to me is an hour and half return journey. Many elderly drivers find driving for that length of time very taxing. If they can drive safely and pass the standard test, why put them and everyone else at risk getting them to go beyond something they feel comfortable with and make them drive for close to an hour and a half or more in heavy traffic, Im sure in regional areas it must be a lot more.
I now have parents who are getting on, they know their limitations and a quite competent in doing the short trips 5-20mins around where they live. Why make them put themselves and others at risk by doing something even they know they are not up to.

Ahh if they cannot drive for up to an hour they shouldnt be on the road. My statement still stands if they cannot drive to the RTA hand your license in. Your parents may know their limits but there are people out there that refuse to admit that their driving skills have diminished.

[STEALTHY™]

What a load of bollocks... You honestly think because someone can't or isn't willing to drive for 2 or 3 hours, they are not capable of driving up to the local shops to grab some milk and bread?

Driving is a tiring exercise, the concentration required becomes quite a demanding task for many as they get older. It does not mean they are not capable of short trips, but it does mean they cannot travel for hours on end.

If that is your logic, why not make everyone travel interstate to renew their license? Surely if they're not capable of driving 10 hours with no stops, then surely they cannot drive to the local shopping center.

The problem is, these people CAN'T even drive 10 minutes to the shops. have a look at any elderly persons 1 owner car. Have a look at some driving in carparks. I nearly got tboned because oldy couldn't be bothered reading the big red sign that said STOP.

Why should my car be damaged by someone who doesn't deserve a license?


And suggesting someone should drive while fatigued? Not sure that would help anything mate.....

[ProphetVX]

The problem is, these people CAN'T even drive 10 minutes to the shops. have a look at any elderly persons 1 owner car. Have a look at some driving in carparks. I nearly got tboned because oldy couldn't be bothered reading the big red sign that said STOP.

Why should my car be damaged by someone who doesn't deserve a license?

And suggesting someone should drive while fatigued? Not sure that would help anything mate.....

Now you're generalising about what all of them can or cannot do...

We need stricter qualification rules, there are no doubts about it. But for you to say if they can't drive a few hours, they're not capable of driving a couple of minutes is poorly informed, arrogant and naive.

I know quite a few 60 or 70 year old drivers who are quite sharp, alert and safe on our roads, that being said, many of them would also not want to drive for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Does that make them bad drivers? Or simply aware of their limits and being cautious for their own safety as well as others?

As for suggesting for people to drive while fatigued, I've done nothing of the sort... It is you who suggested it, I just came up with a ridiculous example to highlight the idiocy of your statement. Heard of stop, revive, survive? For a 20 year old that may be 2 hours, for the elderly it may be 20 minutes.