Driving is closely tied to independence, so questions about an older person’s driving can feel sensitive. The good news is that many older people remain safe, capable drivers well into later life. When changes do appear, noticing them early makes it easier to act calmly. This article explains how ageing can affect driving, the signs worth watching for, the health conditions that can matter, the rules in Australia, and how a driving assessment can help.
TLDR
- Ageing can gradually affect the vision, thinking and movement that safe driving relies on.
- Warning signs include getting lost, near misses, new scrapes on the car, and drifting between lanes.
- Health conditions such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s and vision loss can also affect driving.
- In Australia, drivers must report medical conditions that affect driving to the licensing authority.
- In Queensland, drivers aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate.
- A driving assessment often confirms someone can keep driving, sometimes with conditions, rather than ending it.
- Phase One Therapy provides occupational therapy driving assessments for adults across Brisbane and surrounds.
How ageing can affect driving
Driving is a complex task that draws on your eyes, your thinking and your body all at once. As we get older, these can change gradually, often so slowly that we do not notice. This is a normal part of ageing and does not mean a person must stop driving. It simply means it is worth understanding how changes in vision, reaction time, memory and movement can affect the way someone drives.
Signs it may be time
There is rarely a single moment that signals a driving review is needed. More often, small signs build up over time, noticed by the driver, a passenger or family. The groups below cover the most common ones to look out for.
Changes behind the wheel
- Getting lost or confused on familiar routes
- Near misses, or other drivers having to brake or swerve
- Drifting between lanes or hugging the centre line
- Difficulty judging gaps at intersections or when merging
- Missing signs, signals or exits
- Confusing the brake and accelerator pedals
Physical and health changes
- Trouble turning the head to check blind spots
- Stiffness or pain that makes the controls harder to use
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in glare
- Slower reactions to unexpected situations
- Feeling tired, anxious or overwhelmed while driving
What families often notice
Family and friends are frequently the first to sense something has changed. They might notice new dents or scrapes on the car, the garage or the letterbox, a growing pile of parking or traffic infringements, or a loved one becoming reluctant to drive at night or on the motorway. Passengers sometimes feel uneasy but hesitate to say so. These observations are valuable and worth talking through gently.
Health conditions that can matter
Certain health conditions are more likely to affect driving, which is why they can prompt a review. A diagnosis does not automatically end driving. It means the impact on driving should be checked, so the person can keep driving where it is safe to do so. Common examples are listed below.
- Dementia and other memory or thinking changes
- Stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions
- Vision conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Diabetes, blackouts or heart conditions
- Arthritis or reduced strength and movement
- Medications that cause drowsiness or affect concentration
The rules in Australia
Across Australia, drivers have a legal duty to tell their licensing authority about any long-term medical condition that may affect safe driving. A doctor usually completes a medical assessment and can refer on for a driving assessment if more information is needed. In Queensland there is no upper age limit for driving, but people aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate whenever they drive. If you are unsure how this applies, it can help to read through common questions older drivers ask.
How an assessment can help
A driving assessment is a supportive process, not a test designed to catch people out. It usually has an off-road part, which checks vision, thinking and physical function, and an on-road part in a dual-control car. Importantly, many people are found able to keep driving, sometimes with simple conditions such as an automatic car or driving within a local area. Phase One Therapy provides a driving assessment for older drivers that focuses on safety and independence together.
The table below shows the range of outcomes an assessment can lead to.
| Possible outcome | What it can mean |
| Fit to drive | No changes needed to keep driving |
| Fit with conditions | For example an automatic car, a local area or daytime only |
| Lessons or rehabilitation | Build skills or confidence, then a re-assessment |
| Time to stop | Support to plan other transport options |
Starting a supportive conversation
Raising the topic of driving with someone you care about can feel difficult. It often lands better as a caring conversation rather than a confrontation, focusing on staying safe and independent rather than taking something away. Choosing a calm moment, listening to their concerns, and suggesting a chat with their GP can all help. Involving driver-trained occupational therapists can also take pressure off the family, because the assessment provides a fair, objective view.
Ready to look into an assessment?
Noticing the signs early gives an older driver the best chance to keep driving safely, or to plan ahead calmly if things need to change. An assessment brings clarity, and often reassurance, for both the driver and their family. Phase One Therapy provides occupational therapy driving assessments for adults across Brisbane and surrounds. A conversation with occupational therapists based in Brisbane can help you understand the right next step.
This article is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Requirements can change, so please check current Queensland Transport and Main Roads guidance and consult a qualified health professional for advice tailored to your individual needs.
