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It’s normal for driving capabilities to change as we get older, and although there are lots of seniors without keys, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone over a certain age should cease to drive ever again. As long as you’re aware of what to look out for, prepare, and avoid, then you can enjoy h aving your own four wheels for many years to come.

How does age affect driving?

Everyone ages differently, so there is no set cut-off when it comes to driving. But that means it’s crucial to understand (and be aware of) your health conditions, because they might just impact your driving capabilities. Decreased vision, impaired hearing, slow motor reflexes, and worsening health conditions are all key factors to consider. If you’re concerned about any of these then be sure to visit your local GP and seek their guidance and advice.

License requirements

A recent law passed in August 2022 whereby all Queensland drivers aged 75 years and over are required to carry a valid medical certificate to grant the ability to drive a motor vehicle. Without this medical certificate, you could face a fine or lose your license. But how do you get one? Once you’ve had your 75th birthday you must continue to have annual medical assessments where your doctor will issue or re-issue the certificate.

Safety tips

There are a multitude of obvious safety tips that have been ingrained into us for years – avoiding distractions, wearing a seat belt, and adhering to the speed limit. These are things we all know and respect, but attending a road safety course won’t hurt, especially if you want to brush up on your skills. Recently, residents at The Village Redcliffe joined the RACQ Years Ahead Program with the intention of covering topics like recent changes to road rules, medical considerations when driving, and alternative transport options like motorised wheelchairs.

DID YOU KNOW...

The world’s first speeding ticket was given to someone driving at 12km per hour? Oh how times have changed!