Older Drivers

In December 2008 the NSW Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) introduced reforms to the licensing system for older motorists. The reforms became effective from 1 December, 2008 and consisted of:

• An annual medical check-up from age 75 instead of 80;
• A practical driving assessment for drivers aged 85 and over will now be every two years (i.e. age 85, 87, 89, etc) instead of every year;
• Older drivers having the option of taking a driving assessment from home with an RTA accredited driving instructor;
• Older drivers having the option of a modified licence and not being required to take an assessment.

The RTA advised that older drivers wishing to retain their unrestricted licence category needed to be assessed either at an RTA office or through a accredited driving instructor.

"Assessments can now be conducted 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 assessment from the RTA at no charge."

In keeping with these reforms, when you are required to complete your initial or next older driver assessment you are invited to contact True Blue Driving School. If necessary, we can review your driving habits and if you wish prepare an assessment course from your home or accompany you to the RTA for an assessment. Once the assessment has been completed satisfactorily, you will be able to retain your unrestricted driver's licence and continue living your independent lifestyle.

RTA accredited older drivers' assessors at True Blue Driving School will continue to work with their clients to improve their driving skills so that they can retain their driver's licence.

As True Blue Driving School is an accredited assessment service provider older drivers wishing to avail themselves of this service are invited to contact the office and arrange an assessment. Older drivers can either undertake their assessment immediately or may choose to have the option of undertaking one or two refresher lessons to review and upgrade their driving skills prior to assessment.

Prior to undertaking the refresher lessons and/or assessment, it is advisable for the older driver to reacquaint themselves with the road rules and read the literature available from the RTA. The RTA has a publication titled "A Guide For Older Drivers". This publication is free of charge and can be obtained either from an RTA office or downloaded from the RTA's website www.myrta.com.au by following the links.