New tests looming for NSW elderly drivers

In

New South Wales drivers 75 and over, will eventually need to have annual medical checks before renewing their licences, and people over 85 will face another driving test every two years.

The ageing NSW population means the number of over 85-year-old drivers will more than double over the next 15 years to 52,000.

The NSW Roads Minister, Eric Roozendaal, said “that’s why we have to act now, to ensure the systems we have in place for over 85s drivers are fair and safe – not only for them but for the wider community”.

Other changes are expected to be a re-designed driving test for over-85s, and the option of voluntary driving assessment schemes through accredited organisations such as the NRMA to help drivers refresh their skills.

The NSW government is looking at introducing the changes for elderly drivers early in 2009.