The state and territory laws are not always consistent when it comes to driving evaluation for seniors.

A number of states including New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and South Australia require regular assessments from 75 while Western Australia has established a threshold at 80.

Then there are others like Tasmania and Northern Territory where medical conditions need to be disclosed to the authorities if they impact on their capability on the road.

The key for local members who are preparing for these ventures is to understand how to manage these appointments and recognise how to work through each phase.

Recognising Need for Evaluation

The best place that members can start with a driving evaluation for seniors is to recognise that these placements and test appointments are designed for key reasons. There have been cases where individuals will suffer from particular ailments and conditions that impact their ability to navigate the roads and their vehicle. From slow reaction times to vision impairments, struggles with strength, balance, attention or capacity to gauge speed, these elements have to be put under the microscope once drivers reach a particular age or have demonstrated health concerns by a certified medical operator.

Having Trusted Support Available

Driving evaluation for seniors

It never harms the cause for elderly men and women to have trusted support on hand when it comes to a driving evaluation for seniors. It can be a gesture as small as providing a lift to the appointment or clarifying what is written on a document. So long as there is a partner, a close family member, close friend or occupational therapist on hand to navigate these demands in the lead up to the appointment, then citizens will feel as though they have a safeguard in place and arrive on site with more confidence.

Connecting With Evaluation Providers Early

Senior citizens who are looking to make progress with their driving evaluation appointment should not leave this task until the last minute. There can be confusion around which centre actually handles the testing session and which department needs to be communicated with regarding payments, scheduling and assessing the driving requirements. By reaching out to these public institutions early, it will be possible to gauge where to go, what to do and how to prepare for the evaluation without experiencing any last minute rush or panic.

Driving Cautiously as an Approach

While it is important not to slow or impede traffic with driving that is considered overly slow, the best approach that individuals can use in this regard is to drive cautiously. From wet roads and dark conditions to multiple stops, pedestrian interference and obstacles, driving evaluation for seniors is commonly a success for those who are willing to exercise constraint and caution on the roads.

Accepting One Form of Licence

While constituents who are working through driving evaluation for seniors will want to have their complete licence handed to them following the program, there are cases where that is not possible. Rather than being denied any credentials, there will be modified licence options for those local members that require adjustments and provisions to their driving approach or to the vehicle modification. When individuals are progressing through these measures, it is beneficial to be open to some form of licence if that is the only form that the applicant happens to be eligible for.

Summary

Driving evaluation for seniors will require testing on the roads and components that are within the confines of the department. If there is experience with the driving route, that will help individuals to build their confidence. Be aware about the provisions and requirements before taking steps to plan for the test.