the driver's handbook

142
d R I V E R S A N d L I C E N S I N G
Practical Assessments for Older Drivers
If your doctor feels that your driving ability may be impaired by a
medical condition, they may recommend that you undertake a driving
assessment with either an Accredited Auditor or a suitably qualified
occupational therapist who specialises in assessing drivers with
medical conditions.
The driving assessment performed by an Accredited Auditor
from the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure’s
Driver Training and Audit Group and consists of a short drive
of about 30 minutes. It is not the same as the test that new
learner drivers undergo to obtain their provisional licence.
Older drivers are recognised for their experience and previous driving
record. The practical assessment primarily looks at the ability of the
driver to control the vehicle and demonstrate safe driving on the road
in light to medium traffic while complying with the road rules.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances where extreme danger
occurs due to poor vehicle control, drivers referred by their doctors
for a practical test are given at least two (or more) attempts at the
driving assessment.
The Driver’s Handbook
Alternative means of transport
As we get older a day may come when we can no longer drive safely.
It is therefore a good idea to find out as much as you can about other
means of transport.
Some more hazardous or unfamiliar trips might be better undertaken
by alternative transport rather than driving.
A check with the following organisations will provide you with details
about alternative means of transport:
• senior citizens and community centres
• local bus and taxi companies
• City Free bus route
• the Council on the Ageing (SA)
• the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (you need to discuss this with your
doctor as a referral for an eligibility assessment is required)
• your local council and community buses
• social networks which may exist within your community
• Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.
Choosing to use alternative transport compares favourably to the
annual cost of running a car, especially when transport discounts and
concessions are taken into account. Often using alternative transport
is less stressful and is more convenient, especially when travelling to
major shopping centres or to the city of Adelaide.