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.
Information for Queenslanders about the effects of age on driving and advice about the requirement for everyone 75 years and over to carry a current medical certificate to drive.
CarFreeMe has been designed to help older adults and people with health conditions stop driving without limiting their life and freedom.
Advice on how to have tough conversations about driving and when to stop. It includes a downloadable handbook and an online course with practical tips.
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.
You must notify the Queensland Government about any medical condition that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely. Reportable medical conditions include dementia and eye or vision problems.
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 operates in most Brisbane City Council suburbs and will transport you from your home to your local shopping centre and back at a minimal cost.
A program in Queensland that provides door-to-door transport support to assist eligible people under 65 who have trouble accessing transport.
A government-funded scheme providing financial support for transport services. The support 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 and people who are injured or ill.
A journey planner and timetables to help you reach your destination via public transport in Queensland. Translink also has an app you can download.
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.
These are organisations within the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay regions that provide community transport.
There is a range of travel subsidy schemes and cards that you may be able to access to assist with travel costs.
Information about financial assistance for eligible patients to access specialist medical services not available locally.
Companion Card holders receive a second ‘companion' ticket at no charge at participating venues and on public transport. Terms and eligibility criteria apply.
Information on the different types of concession fares on public transport in Queensland (including for seniors, pensioners, veterans and people with accessibility challenges).
Information on applying for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme to receive subsidised taxi trips for people with with severe disabilities.
Information about disability parking permits and how to apply.
Information on subsidised bus and coach services in regional Queensland. There are services in Kilcoy to Caboolture.
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.