The national standard is Assessing Fitness to Drive, published by Austroads and the National Transport Commission. It sets medical criteria for private and commercial drivers for conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, sleep apnoea, cardiac disease, vision, dementia and substance use.
Key principles:
- The driver has the legal duty to notify the state licensing authority of a condition that affects safe driving.
- The doctor must assess, advise the patient clearly (including not to drive, if relevant) and document the advice.
- In most states doctors may report a patient who continues to drive unsafely, with legal protection. In South Australia and the Northern Territory, reporting is mandatory.
- Commercial driver standards are stricter than private standards.
Classic examples:
- After a first unprovoked seizure or loss of consciousness, a period of not driving applies.
- Insulin-treated diabetes needs hypoglycaemia awareness and regular review.
- After some cardiac procedures, there are short non-driving periods.
In AMC counselling stations, examiners want clear advice, a safety discussion and documentation, not just "you can't drive".