Get a medical assessment for fitness to drive

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must inform the MVR.

You may need to have a health professional complete a medical assessment of your fitness to drive.

When you need an assessment

You'll need to have a medical assessment if you:

  • declare for the first time that you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive
  • have a known medical condition and have to provide periodic medical assessment of your fitness to drive to renew your licence
  • are applying for or renewing an occupational authority (D or H endorsement)
  • are returning from a period of medical impairment and now meet the relevant medical standards to resume driving
  • have completed a transport subsidy scheme application and the conditions listed may affect your ability to drive
  • are requested to by the MVR.

If you're asked to be assessed, this does not mean that you will automatically lose your licence.

Many drivers with a medical condition are allowed to keep driving with specific conditions added to their licence.

If your condition changes

If you have already previously advised the MVR about your health and driving, you must report any changes that could affect your ability to drive safely.

You must report as soon as you become aware of any changes to your conditions. Don't wait until your next medical is due.

Assessment of fitness to drive

The assessment of fitness to drive must:

  • clearly identify you with your full name and date of birth as well as licence number if known
  • identify the medical condition(s) you are being assessed for
  • confirm whether you meet the medical standards to safely operate vehicles for the class of licence you hold
  • advise whether you should be subject to a periodic medical review period
    • MVR applies the default review period outlined in the AFTD guidelines
  • recommend any  licence conditions that should be applied to your licence
  • be dated, signed by, and clearly identify, the health professional completing the assessment.

Read the national medical standards for assessing fitness to drive on the Austroads website.

Driving instructor and CPV drivers

If you have an occupational authority (also called a D or H endorsement), you must meet the commercial medical standards outlined in the AFTD guidelines.

You'll need to have a medical assessment:

  • when you apply for an occupational authority and
  • every 5 years when you renew it.

Your doctor can do this assessment using the L2 medical assessment of fitness to drive form.

If you also have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive, you might need more frequent medical assessments. This is to make sure you're still fit to drive with your driver licence.

Who can make an assessment

Your assessment for fitness to drive must be done by a health professional.

This includes:

  • doctors
  • specialists
  • optometrists
  • physiotherapists
  • occupational therapists.

A health professional must be registered on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website.

How to get an assessment

If you're required to get a medical assessment, follow these steps:

Step 1. Make an appointment with a health professional.

If possible, they should be familiar with your medical history.

Advise them that the appointment is for a fitness to drive assessment.

Step 2. At the appointment, respond truthfully to questions from the health professional regarding your health.

Step 3. Ensure your health professional completes an assessment of your fitness to drive using one of the following:

At the end of the medical assessment, your health professional should discuss the outcome with you. Find out how health professionals assess your fitness to drive.

You're responsible for covering any costs associated with a medical assessment.imp

Step 4. Within 3 months of your assessment, you must submit a copy of it:

After your assessment of fitness to drive

Once you've submitted your medical assessment, it may be referred to the MVR Medical Compliance Unit to decide what action should be taken.

Certain medical conditions may require you to see a specialist or you may be referred to an occupational therapist to complete an on road driving assessment.

If you have multiple medical conditions, you may need to provide a specialist report for each condition.

Conditions such as an ‘S – corrective lenses required’ or ‘XA – periodic medical review’ may be placed on your licence.

You must follow the conditions on your licence.

Read more about conditions.

Periodic review

Where a periodic medical review is required, the licence will only be renewed for the period of time that you have been medically cleared to drive.

For example, where an annual medical review is required, your licence will only be renewed for one year.

Commercial driver standards are stricter than the private standards.

Your licence class may be temporarily changed to a private licence if you don't meet the commercial standards but can meet the private standards.

You can regain your previously held commercial licence once your health improves. You will need a further medical assessment confirming your fitness to hold the licence.

Appeal a licensing decision

The MVR Medical Compliance Unit considers a number of factors when making decisions about a person’s right to drive.

To find out more about why a decision was made, contact the Medical Compliance Unit by:

If you disagree with an outcome, you have 14 days to appeal the decision by emailing mvr.medical@nt.gov.au.

The matter will be escalated for review.

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