Get a medical assessment for fitness to drive
In some cases, you may need to get a medical assessment for fitness to drive in the NT.
This applies if you:
- have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely
- are applying for a certain licence endorsement.
You’ll need to cover any costs.
Find out when you need an assessment and how to get one below.
When you need an assessment
You'll need to have an 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 assessment to renew your licence
- are applying for or renewing your endorsement to become:
- a driving instructor (D endorsement) or
- commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) driver (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 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 medical condition changes
You must report them as soon as you become aware of any changes to your medical condition.
Don't wait until your next medical is due.
Types of assessments
There 2 types of assessments you can get depending on your situation.
These include:
- an occupational authority health assessment (H and D endorsement) - for driving instructors and CPV drivers
- a driver licence medical assessment of fitness to drive - for all other drivers.
What an assessment must include
An assessment 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 national assessing fitness to drive (AFTD) standards for private or commercial drivers
- advise whether you should be subject to a periodic medical review period
- MVR applies the default review period outlined in the AFTD standards
- 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 AFTD standards on the Austroads website.
Who can make an assessment
Your medical assessment must be done by a registered health professional.
In most instances, this may be your general practitioner (GP).
You may also get an assessment from a:
- specialist
- optometrist
- physiotherapist
- occupational therapist.
A registered health professional is a person registered on the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website.
How to get an assessment
To get an assessment, follow these steps:
Step 1. Book assessment
Book one of the following assessments with your health professional:
- an occupational authority health assessment (H and D endorsement) - for driving instructors and CPV drivers
- a driver licence medical assessment of fitness to drive - for all other drivers.
If possible, they should know your medical history.
Step 2. Attend assessment
Respond truthfully to questions about your health from your health professional.
Ensure they complete your assessment using one of the following:
- the MVR medical assessment of fitness to drive form (section
- the Austroads medical condition notification form available on the Austroads website
- a summary report of your fitness to drive using the health professional's letterhead - it must include:
- your full name, date of birth, licence number
- the reason for the medical assessment and if you need periodic review
- the date the assessment was completed and the health professional's signature.
If you use the MVR form for an occupational authority, only sections 1, 2A and 5 must be completed.
At the end of the assessment, your health professional should discuss the outcome with you. Find out how health professionals assess your fitness to drive.
Step 3. Submit assessment
Within 3 months of your assessment, you must submit a copy of it:
- in person at your nearest MVR office
- by email to mvr.medical@nt.gov.au
- by post to GPO Box 530, Darwin NT 0801.
Driving instructors and CPV drivers can submit it when they apply for or renew their endorsement.
After you submit assessment
It may be referred to the MVR Medical Compliance Unit to decide what action should be taken.
Certain 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.
If a periodic review is required
Your 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.
If you meet private licensing standards but not commercial
Your commercial licence class may be temporarily changed to a private licence class.
You can regain your commercial licence class once your health improves.
You’ll need another assessment to confirm you’re fit to hold the commercial licence class.
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:
- calling 08 8999 3153
- emailing mvr.medical@nt.gov.au.
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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