Older drivers

If you have concerns about a person's driving ability you can:

• speak to the person directly - they may decide it is time to stop driving
  
• speak to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) - they may ask you to complete an Unsafe and/or​ Medically Unfit for Driving Report. If you complete this form, you will also be asked to p​rovide your name and address. TfNSW will aim to keep your personal information confidential, but if you have concerns about this you should speak to TfNSW.
  

For more information, see Getting a medical assessment for Fitness to Drive on the NSW Government website.

A modified licence is a licence with certain restrictions placed on it, such as driving at a certain time of the day or to certain places, like your doctor. It is an option for older drivers (usually aged 85 years or over) instead of completing a practical driving assessment.

If you want to apply for a modified driving licence you should visit a TfNSW registry or service centre. 

For more information, see Your licence from age 70 on the NSW Government website.

If you are given a modified licence and breach any of the conditions of your licence, you can be fined. ​

You can attempt your driving test up to three times if you are taking your test with Transport for NSW (TfNSW). You will not be charged a fee.

If you do not pass after three attempts, you will need to pass the test with an Older Driver Assessor to keep your unrestricted licence. 

You can take your test with an Older Driver Assessor as many times as you like – there is no limit - but the assessor will charge you a fee each time you take the test.

You must pass your driving test before your birthday, or your licence will be cancelled.   

If you can't pass your driving test, you may:

• request a modified licence 
  
• apply for a learner licence to get more practice driving before you sit the test again. This is only an option if the testing officer thinks your driving will improve with practice.
  

Your licence may be cancelled if TfNSW believes you can't drive safely.

For more information, see Your licence from age 70 on the NSW Government website.

You have until the day before a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Notice of Suspension or Cancellation commences to lodge an appeal in the Local Court. 

To do this, you must:

• file an Application Notice - Appeal against decision of RMS (Licence appeal) at your nearest Local Court
• pay the fee.

Filing an appeal does not stop the cancellation of your licence. You must not continue to drive until your licence has been reinstated. You should check with Transport for NSW that your licence has been reinstated before you start driving again.

For copy of the form, see Forms on the Local Court of NSW website.

Before you appeal, you should get legal advice 

This will depend upon the circumstances of your case. The Court will consider:

• any reasons why Transport for NSW believe you are unfit or unable to keep your licence
  
• your character and driving history
  
• any need you have for a licence
  
• any medical or health issues you are experiencing.
  

If you want to appeal the decision to cancel your licence, you should get legal advice.  ​

If Transport for NSW has gi​​ven you a notice relating to your licence, it may be considered served on:

• the fourth working day after the date on which the notice was posted
  
• the date it was personally delivered
  
• the date it was sent to your email address.