Driving with a Medical Condition
Mandatory Reporting of Medical Conditions
Mandatory Reporting of medical conditions is the legislative requirement of all licence holders to notify the Department of any long term or permanent medical condition they suffer from, if they haven't previously notified the Department.
What is a Medical Condition ?
Any physical disability or mental disorder that is likely to impair a person's ability to control a motor vehicle is what is referred to as a permanent or long term medical condition. A range of medical conditions, as well as certain treatments, may impair a person's ability to undertake the complex task of driving a motor vehicle. These conditions may impair the driver's perception, judgment, response time and reasonable physical capability. If you are unsure if your medical condition is required to be reported, Ask your GP.
Should I report my condition?
Yes. You are required to inform the Department whether you have a long term medical condition that may affect your driving even if the symptoms are under control. In many instances, upon a health professional's advice, you would most likely be able to continue driving, but it is important that the information has been reported.
Visual Aids
If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses for driving you will need to notify the Department of Transport of your need to wear suitable visual aids whilst driving. If you have not previously notified the Department. These details will then be updated on your driver's licence.
Insurance
If you have an accident and haven’t reported your medical condition you may not be covered by your third party insurance.
You should also check what conditions your private insurance company imposes on medical conditions.
Will my licence be affected?
How your licence is affected by the declaration of your medical condition depends on the condition itself and the action taken by the Department in determining your fitness to hold a driver's licence. You may be asked to:
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Undertake a medical assessment with your health professional, or
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Undertake a practical driving assessment, or
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Your licence may be amended requiring you to only drive under certain circumstances.
Reporting my medical condition
If you have a medical condition and/or take any medication that may affect your ability to drive, you must notify the Department. Here you will find examples of medical conditions you should report and what conditions may be applied to your licence.
You can report your medical condition to the Department of Transport by phone or by completing their on-line form which is available on their website.