NSW: New laws for drivers over 75.
29 Nov 2008 1:55 AM
SYDNEY, Nov 29 AAP - New laws for older people who hold a NSW drivers licence are set to take affect from next week.
As from December 1, Minister for Roads Michael Daley said drivers over the age of 75 would need an annual medical check-up.
This would pick up issues such as deteriorating eyesight and dementia, he said.
Drivers over the age of 85 would be required to take a driving test every two years.
A modified licence would give drivers aged over 85 the option of driving in their local area only.
"Drivers that don't feel they want to drive much further than the local shops, or perhaps aren't comfortable driving at night, can talk to their local motor registry manager about changing to a more tailored type of licence," Mr Daley said.
The NSW government announced the reforms in April after extensive consultation with groups that include NSW Police, Council on the Aging, and the NRMA.
Mr Daley said there are about 23,000 drivers in NSW over the age of 85, "but this figure is expected to more than double over the next 15 years".
>From Monday, a letter explaining the new changes is being sent to more than 200,000 older drivers and General Practitioners across the state.
