Introduction
If you intend to continue driving or riding after you turn 70 there are driver, rider and medical tests you need to know about.
For advice and safety tips to make safer choices as an older driver or rider visit the NSW Centre for Road Safety website – The Road Ahead.
Driver or rider licence holders
From 75 years of age you should receive a letter by post from Transport for NSW 8 weeks before your birthday. The medical assessment and driving test (if applicable) must be completed before your birthday.
What you need to do
From 70 to 74 years of age, to keep an unrestricted driver (class C) or rider (class R) licence you do not need a medical assessment or driving test unless a doctor recommends it. Check the requirements if you have a heavy vehicle licence.
From 75 years of age, to keep an unrestricted driver (class C) or rider (class R) licence you need to have a medical assessment for Fitness to Drive each year. If a doctor recommends it you will need to take a driving test.
From 85 years of age, in addition to the yearly medical assessment you need to pass a practical on-road driving or riding assessment. After that you need to take a practical assessment every 2 years.
Eyesight test
From 75 years of age you also need to pass an eyesight test every year.
Find out about the eyesight test including:
- when you need to get an eyesight test
- what's involved in an eyesight test
- what the different types of changes to your eyesight mean and
- conditions that may be placed on your licence.
Fitness to drive
You may need a medical assessment to confirm you’re fit to drive. If you get a letter asking you to take a fitness to drive medical assessment, follow the instructions in the letter.
You can also choose to have a fitness to drive medical assessment even if you have not received a letter.
Your doctor or other health professional will evaluate your medical fitness to drive and consider if any disability, injury, illness or medical condition affects your ability to drive safely.
You must notify Transport for NSW of any medical condition or recent surgery that affects your driving.
Find out more about the medical assessment for Fitness to Drive.
Get ready for your test
You can book a refresher course before you do your driving or riding assessment.
Courses are available at driving schools or rider training establishments. Fees are charged for these courses.
To help you prepare for the practical assessment download the PDF 'A Guide to Older Driver Licensing' which covers:
- road safety and the older driver
- the licensing system and licensing options
- pictures that show how to apply the road rules.
Take the car driver or motorcycle rider test
Car driver test
You have 2 options for taking your driving test.
1. Service NSW driver testing officer
If you take your test with a Service NSW driver testing officer at a Service NSW Centre you:
- can have up to 3 attempts to pass your driving test
- will not be charged a fee.
To book a test, call 13 77 88, or visit your nearest service centre.
2. Older-driver assessor
An older-driver assessor is a licensed driving instructor accredited by Transport for NSW. If you choose to take your test with an older-driver assessor:
- there is no limit to the number of attempts to pass your driving test
- you will be charged a fee each time you take the test.
To book a test, find an older-driver assessor online.
Motorcycle rider test
How you take your rider (R class) test will depend on the area in which you live. Most NSW city and regional postcodes are considered to be in 'declared areas'.
Declared area
Rider training is available – to book an Aged MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skills Test) contact your nearest rider training centre.
Undeclared area
Rider training is not available – to book an Aged Rider Kerbside Test call 13 22 13 or visit a service centre.
If you fail the test
In most instances if you fail your test you can take it again.
If you do not pass the driver or rider test:
- check the test report for reasons why
- make sure someone else drives you home.
Failing a test with a 'serious error'
If your driving or riding assessor judges that you failed your test with a ‘serious error’, your licence will be cancelled.
A serious error is when your driving or riding behaviour is a clear danger to yourself or other road users.
Heavy vehicles
Class MC licence holders
To keep a multi-combination (MC) driver licence from 70 years of age you need to pass both a medical assessment for Fitness to Drive and a driving test each year.
Class LR, MR, HR or HC licence holders
To keep your heavy vehicle light rigid (LR), medium rigid (MR), heavy rigid (HR) or heavy combination (HC) licence, you must:
- from 75 years of age pass an annual medical assessment
- from 80 years of age pass an annual medical assessment and a driving test.
You should receive an assessment letter from Transport for NSW by post 8 weeks before your birthday. The medical assessment and driving test must be completed before your birthday.
Aged driving tests for heavy vehicle licence holders are provided only by Service NSW driver testing officers. To book a test, call 13 77 88, or visit your nearest service centre.
Note: If you do not need or want your heavy vehicle licence you can change to a class C (car only) licence at any time and at no cost. To make the change visit a service centre.
Benefits and concessions for pensioners
To check if you are eligible for benefits and concessions go to:
- Concessions and discounts for licence-related fees
- Registration concessions and automatic renewal for pensioners.
Mobility parking scheme
If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your walking or vision, you may be eligible for a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit. The permit lets you park in disability parking spaces and access certain concessions.
- Apply for, replace, or renew a Mobility Parking Scheme permit (individual)
- Apply for an additional Mobility Parking Scheme permit (individual)
- Apply for a new pensioner refund on a Mobility Parking Scheme permit
Special mobility vehicles
A Special Mobility Vehicle (SMV) is a vehicle that a person with a disability can operate from their wheelchair.
Payment and fees
To find out about about fees for licences, tests, handbooks and mobility parking permits visit Driver and rider licence fees.
You cannot pay with cash at some Service NSW Centres. Check our payment methods page for the list of locations where cash is not accepted.
Related transactions
- Apply for a NSW Photo Card
- Apply for a restricted journey licence
- Change conditions on a driver licence
- Surrender a NSW driver or rider licence voluntarily
- Apply for a licence to be reissued after being surrendered on medical grounds
- Licence holders and the NSW Digital Driver Licence
- Report a patient's medical condition to Transport for NSW
- Report erratic or unsafe driving practices