Driving requires coordination of the brain, eyes and muscles. Ageing can impair your memory, focus, judgement and eyesight, which makes driving more challenging.
It's important you regularly speak to your doctor and ensure you remain able to drive safely. There may come a time when you'll no longer be able to drive.
The information below can help you understand the impact that ageing has on your ability to drive safely and help you determine whether it's time to retire from driving.
A search tool to locate occupational therapists near you with a specialisation in driving. Select 'driving' in the 'area of practice' drop-down and type your suburb in the search box to find occupational therapists near you.
An example of a transport plan for someone living in the Brisbane North and Moreton Bay region. It provides an overview of the services and support available for the different types of activities.
Advice for Queenslanders over the age of 75 about their driver's licence and medical certificates.
Advice for people supporting someone with dementia on how to have tough conversations about driving and when to stop. It includes a downloadable handbook and an online course with practical tips.
A program that provides information about travelling safely at Brisbane Airport and enrolling for the Hidden Disabilities program. This involves wearing a 'Sunflower Lanyard' which staff will recognise as an indication of a hidden disability, and access to airport support staff and the accessibility journey planner guide.
Any medical condition that may impair your ability to drive safely must be reported to Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads. One of the medical conditions that must be disclosed is dementia.
The licensing authority will request that you consult a doctor to examine your medical fitness to drive. Following that, you may require a formal driving evaluation. They will decide whether you can continue to drive based on the findings of these assessments.
A guide with information related to health issues and driving, a self-test warning signs quiz and details for alternative transport arrangements.
A website where you must notify the Government of your dementia diagnosis after you get or before you renew your licence.
When you can no longer safely drive, there are alternative transport services you can use.
Alternative transport services are designed help you to stay active in the community, such as public transport, community transport organisations, community buses and taxis.
You may be eligible to receive subsidised alternative transport through the community transport program, your National Disability Insurance Package or My Aged Care services. Local community transport organisations also do fee-for-fee services.
Information on the Council Cab Service for eligible people over the age of 60. This service will transport you from your home to your local shopping centre and back at a minimal cost.
A program that provides door-to-door transport support to assist eligible people under 65 who are transport-disadvantaged.
A government-funded scheme providing financial support for transport services. The you can receive varies depending on your eligibility and needs.
A government-funded scheme providing financial support for transport services. The amount you can receive varies depending on your eligibility and needs.
A program providing extra assistance to people with different accessibility needs, including those living with disability, older people, pregnant women and people who are injured or ill.
A journey planner to help you reach your destination via public transport, reducing the stress of catching public transport. Translink also has an app you can download.
These are organisations within the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions that provide community transport.
Servicing Caboolture and Redcliffe.
Servicing Redlands, Ipswich, Logan, Darling Downs and Gold Coast.
There is a range of travel subsidy schemes and cards that you may be able to access to assist with travel costs.
Information on applying for financial support for travel and accommodation in order to receive specialised medical services that are not accessible in your area.
A website where you can register for a Companion Card. Cardholders are entitled to a free second 'companion' ticket at participating events and on public transportation. A companion is defined as somebody who travels with a cardholder and offers care support. Terms and eligibility criteria apply.
Information on concession public transport cards (called go cards) and how to apply.
Information on applying for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and Lift Payment to receive subsidised taxi trips for people with dementia who need a carer with them at all times.
A place where you can apply for a disability parking permit if your dementia diagnosis impacts your ability to walk.
Information on subsidised bus and coach services in regional Queensland. There are services in Kilcoy to Caboolture.
A website with information on the healthcare cards that are accessible to veterans and their families. You may be eligible for free or reduced-cost health care and support, as well as discounts on medications, transportation, water bills and power bills.
Transport
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We would like to express our gratitude to all the healthy ageing advocates, including people living with dementia, older people, families, carers and health professionals, who contributed to the development of this portal. Thank you for sharing your stories and transferring your knowledge to make this portal purposeful and meaningful to support people in the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region.