Driver education and information
Driver Rehabilitation
Telephone: 8932 1626
Home visiting service to assist people to return to driving safely.
Information for Senior Drivers is published by the NT Department of Transport. We have summarised key points, for more visit the Information for Seniors Drivers page.
In the Northern Territory, all drivers are legally required to notify the MVR of any medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. Under Section 11 of the Motor Vehicles Act; drivers are legally responsible for declaring (usually through a medical self-assessment) that they have a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.
- Eyesight testing – Eyesight tests are only required on initial application and/ or where medical or self-assessment raises concerns about the impact of deteriorating fitness to drive on any health grounds.
- Senior discounts and concessions – Senior discounts apply to some transactions but only when the card has been sighted by an MVR Officer and recorded on the database. The card only needs to be sighted once on initial application. This can be done by visiting your local MVR Office.
- Should I be driving? Things to look for – You are responsible for declaring any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive. Complete the short checklist below and see if any of the scenarios apply to you or your loved one.
If you have any concerns about your fitness and ability to drive you should contact your GP immediately.
- I am not as confident on the road as I once was
- I have some difficulty turning to see behind me when reversing
- I am easily distracted
- Other drivers honk their horns at me
- I have scratches and dents on my car that I can’t account for
- I get increasingly agitated and irritated while driving
- I sometimes fail to spot a hazard until the last second
- I rely increasingly on a passenger to help me judge distances and give instructions while driving
- I have regular near misses
- I get lost in familiar places and sometimes make a wrong turn
- On occasion I confuse the accelerator with the brake
If any of these scenarios apply to you then it might be time to talk to your GP about your fitness to drive. Relatives and concerned friends can also use the above checklist to assess a loved ones fitness to drive as road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Information for staying safe on the roads
The Northern Territory Road Users Handbook is a comprehensive guide for current and new drivers. The Road Users Handbook contains important information in relation to obtaining a driver licence, the rules of the road, and basic driving skills. The handbook also explains the Australian Road Rules which are used in each State and Territory of Australia.
ONLY DRIVE TO YOUR CAPABILITY
When you’re not at your best, your driving skills may not be either.
The most common cause for road statistics is speeding, alcohol, driving when tired and the non-use of restraints (seatbelts and child seats). Road accidents can also occur when a vehicle is driven by someone who has an injury, illness or medical condition which affects their ability to control their vehicle and drive safely on the road.
A decision to drive under these circumstances is dangerous for the driver, but also for their passengers and other road users.
You should not drive a vehicle if you are:
- UNWELL, INJURED or have a MEDICAL CONDITION that will affect your ability to control or drive a vehicle safely. Don’t take risks. Not in a fit state to drive, then don’t. Driving under these conditions may put you and the lives of others in danger on the road.
- CONCERNED FOR SAFETY Responsibility starts with you. Worried about your ability to drive safely? Real concerns must not be ignored and should be discussed with someone you trust such as a family member, local doctor or you can contact the MVR to obtain advice.
