Licence requirements for seniors

We outline the licence requirements for older drivers in each state and territory, as well as what to consider when reviewing your car insurance.

As you age, maintaining your ability to drive is an important part of staying independent and connected to your community. But the reality is that age-related medical conditions or impairments could put your safety and that of other road users at risk. That’s why when you reach a certain age, you may need to review your car insurance and abide by special licence requirements.

Does age impact your car insurance?

You might be wondering if your age will affect the cost of your car insurance as an older driver. The short answer is ‘yes’ – but it’s only part of the picture. An insurer looks at a number of factors to determine their risk in insuring you – and therefore the cost of your insurance premiums. This typically includes:

Your age, driving experience and claims history
The year, make and model of your car
Where you park your car

If you’ve been driving for many years, you’ll likely be a more experienced driver with a longer driving history. You may also find you’re on the road less, which means there’s a lower risk of being involved in an accident. This is something your insurer will take into account.

On the other hand, as you age, you may start to experience medical conditions or impairments that could affect your driving. Once you reach a certain age, you may need to complete a medical assessment to keep your driver’s licence.

Driver’s licence requirements for senior drivers

To keep you – and others – safe on the road, there may be licence requirements and restrictions to follow once you reach a certain age. As requirements differ for each state and territory, here’s a brief overview and where to find further details for your area:

Licence requirements in the Australian Capital Territory

Living in the ACT? If you’re aged 75 or over, you’ll need to get your health checked by your GP every year to retain your driving licence. For public vehicle licence requirements for the over 70s and further details, visit ACT driver licence information.

Licence requirements in New South Wales

In NSW, once you reach 70, you may need a medical assessment to keep driving, depending on the type of licence you hold. You may also need to take an ‘older driving test’ if this is recommended by your GP. The NSW Government provides full details at Your licence from age 70. You may also find the On the road 65+ information useful.

Licence requirements in the Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, retaining your licence is less about age and more to do with medical fitness. It’s based on self-assessment, so you’ll need to declare any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive. Find out more about what you need to do to stay safely behind the wheel at Road Safety NT.

Licence requirements in Queensland

Queensland drivers aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate – you can be fined if you don’t. To find out how to get your medical certificate and other helpful resources, visit the Queensland Government’s Safe driving page.

Licence requirements in South Australia

If you hold a driver’s licence in SA and you’re aged over 75, you must complete a self-assessment of your fitness to drive. You’ll receive a reminder to do this every year around the time of your birthday. If you’re over 70 and have a medical condition, or drive a heavy vehicle or a motorcycle, you’ll need to complete a certificate of fitness. You may find the Fitness to Drive tips provided by the Government of South Australia useful.

Licence requirements in Tasmania

There aren’t any age-related medical assessments for Tasmanian drivers, but you will be asked to regularly self-assess your fitness to drive. If you have a medical condition, you may need to complete a medical and/or driving assessment (PDF, 582KB). Check the Tasmanian Government’s useful Driving as you age resources.

Licence requirements in Victoria

Hold a Victorian driver’s licence? Like NT and Tasmania, Victoria also encourages self-assessment and there isn’t any age-based criteria. However, you may need to undergo a medical review process if you have any health issues that could affect your driving.

Licence requirements in Western Australia

In Western Australia, licence requirements apply at age 80. You’ll need to undergo a medical assessment with a health professional each year to renew your driving licence. If there are any health concerns, you may need to complete a driving test. Once you reach age 85, you may also need to take an annual driving test to renew your licence.

Suitable car insurance for seniors

If you’ve got the green light to keep driving, the next step is to make sure you’ve got the right car insurance. While you’ve probably done this many times before, it’s a good idea to review your options as you get older. After all, your driving needs and behaviours may have changed, so your cover should reflect that.

Here are the types of car insurance we offer:

Comprehensive car insurance: for the highest level of cover. It provides you with cover for loss or damage to your car, plus damage you cause to someone else’s car or property. If you’re regularly on the road, comprehensive insurance means you won’t have an unexpected out-of-pocket expense to deal with if you’re in an accident, or your car is stolen.
Third party property damage insurance: a basic optional insurance that won’t cover loss or damage to your car, but it will cover you from the cost of accidentally damaging someone else's car or property. It’s an option that may be more suitable for lower-value cars.

Learn more about the differences between our Comprehensive and Third Party Property Damage car insurance on our Car Insurance comparison page.

We also offer Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance which covers any driver of your vehicle for death or injuries caused to others in an at-fault motor accident. CTP is mandatory for all vehicles in Australia.

Choosing the right car insurance

No matter how old you are or how often you drive, car insurance is an important part of owning a vehicle. Need help deciding which cover best suits your needs? Here’s how to find the cover that's right for you, or speak to our team. We’re here to help.

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Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 (“Allianz”). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

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Our guide to car insurance and licence requirements for seniors