In 2025, Australia plans to implement new legislation regarding older drivers, which impacts those 70 years and older. Such changes include compulsory driving assessments, and possible restrictions to long driving and highway trips. While mandates for “co-pilot” assistance for highway driving are not yet confirmed, it is clear that that the focus for older drivers is governance and safety.
New Compliance Rules for Seniors
Drivers 75 and older will be subject to annual medical assessments requiring an eye check, cognitive evaluation, and overall physical health examination in order to retain their driving license. Some states will implement these assessments at 70 years of age. These assessments address the safety concerns that age-related medical conditions that may occur.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Year | 2025 |
| Who is Affected? | Drivers aged 70 and older; stricter rules for 75+ |
| Key Changes | – Compulsory driving assessments – Possible restrictions on long/highway trips – Focus on safety governance |
| Medical Requirements | Annual medical, vision, cognitive, and physical assessments for 75+ (some states start at 70) |
| Assessment Differences | Vary state by state (e.g., Victoria requires at 70, extra cognitive at 80) |
| Highway/Long Drive Rules | “Co-pilot” (companion driver) mandate rumored but not confirmed; voluntary use encouraged |
| Reason for Reform | Overrepresentation of seniors (15% of license holders, 20% of serious accidents); aging population focus |
| Impact on Insurance | Some insurers may incentivize use of co-pilots for longer trips |
| Senior Response | Concern over independence vs. safety; emphasis on health checks, informed driving, flexible trip habits |
| Public Safety Advice | Drive with companions (especially for long trips); stay current on health and driving assessments |
Why the Changes? A Safety-First Rationale
Drivers aged 65 years and older are licensed and accounted for 15% of license holders, however, they are involved in 20% of serious accidents. This overrepresentation in crash statistics, along with a rapidly aging population, is the reason governments are citing for additional restrictions that aim to focus on safety.
Fitness to Drive Evaluations and Medical Assessments
Assessments differ from state to state. In Victoria, assessments begin at age 70, with additional cognitive testing at 80. There are no set laws as of late August 2025, but speculation around required “co-pilots” or secondary drivers for drivers over 70 have circulated as a public safety measure. Road safety organizations still advise older drivers to have companions for longer drives, and some insurers may reward voluntary co-pilots with better policy terms.
Seniors React: Independence vs. Safety
There is an increasing focus on the health and wellness of older Australians that promotes staying informed, completing health checks in a timely manner, and, if necessary, changing travel to non-peak times or metropolitan areas. For many, the suggested “co-pilot” conversation struck a nerve; the balance of independence and safety is notoriously difficult. With new policies in place, along with incessant public debates on the safety of older drivers, the balance between independence and safety is being redressed with concern and care.