70+ Drivers Face Tougher Tests in 2026? Licence Changes Raise National Concern

Peter Wallace, who is 81 years old and lives in Brisbane, felt uneasy when he heard that drivers over 70 might soon have to pass stricter tests.

He said, “I’ve been driving safely for decades.” “But it seems like there’s a new rule every year.”

In 2026, talks about the safety of older drivers are getting more serious all over Australia. As the population ages and road deaths become a bigger issue, some states are looking at and, in some cases, making stricter the medical and testing requirements for drivers over the age of 70.

Why Are Older Drivers Getting Attention?

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At the same time, national road safety data shows that older drivers are more likely to get hurt badly in crashes, even if they aren’t always at fault.

Road safety officials say that regular health checks are not about punishing people, but about stopping them from getting sick.

A high-ranking transport official said:

“We know that a lot of older Australians are safe and responsible drivers.” These steps are meant to make sure you can still drive safely.

What Will Change in 2026?

The rules are different in each state and territory, but in 2026there has been more attention and agreement on:

• More regular medical checkups
• In some states, people over 75 must get a GP certification.
• Driving tests on the road after age 85
• Doctors have to report things more strictly.
• Licenses with conditions and limits

In some places, drivers between the ages of 70 and 74 may still be able to keep their regular renewal periods, but more and more health declarations are required.

Differences Between States

Here is a simplified look at the main trends:

Are harder driving tests required?

Not for everyone.

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Most seniors won’t automatically have to take a driving test on the road at 70. The focus is on:

• Testing your vision
• Cognitive screening (if there are any worries)
• Checks on how well you can move around
• GP certification of fitness to drive

Usually, on-road tests only happen if:

• A doctor is worried
• There was an accident not long ago.
• Family members say there are safety problems
• Medical conditions get worse

Transport officials stress that age alone does not lead to the cancellation of a licence.

New laws are going into effect across Australia in 2026.

“I Want to Keep My Independence” is a true story.

Margaret Ellis, 86, drives from regional Victoria to see her grandchildren every week.

She said, “My licence means everything.” “It’s my freedom.”

Margaret now has to have annual medical reviews and recently took a short driving test because of new local rules.

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She said, “It was nerve-wracking.” “But I did it.”

For a lot of seniors, the process isn’t so much about how hard it is as it is about how worried they are about losing their freedom.

What medical conditions should make you worry?

Doctors must tell the authorities about certain health issues that could make it hard to drive.

Some retirees are better off because of the change to the age pension, but others are losing money without realising it.

• Dementia or a decline in cognitive function
• Very bad vision impairment
• Seizures
• Complications of diabetes that are more serious
• Heart problems that make you pass out
• Parkinson’s disease
• Limitations on recovery from a stroke

But just because you have a condition doesn’t mean you have to give up your licence. Many drivers get conditional licenses that come with rules like these:

• Driving only during the day
• No driving on the highway
• Limits in the area
• Requirement for automatic gearbox

Why Now? The Road Safety Setting

More than 1,250 people died on the road in Australia in 2024. Statistically, younger drivers are more likely to do risky things behind the wheel, but older drivers are more likely to get hurt in crashes.

Rebecca Norton, a transport safety expert, says:

“The problem isn’t that older people are careless. It means being weak and having health problems.

Authorities say that early health screenings can help people avoid bad outcomes.

Are older people being unfairly targeted?

Advocacy groups for older Australians say that policies need to stay fair.

The Council on the Ageing has made it clear that:

• Most older people drive safely on their own.
• Drivers over the age of 65 are less likely to speed.
• The number of crashes per kilometre is about the same for middle-aged drivers.

Critics say that discrimination based on age is wrong.

Policymakers, on the other hand, say that medical reviews are punishments based on health, not age.

Is it possible for these rules to grow even more?

There is no national plan to make people take driving tests at 70.

But there are still talks going on about:

• Consistency in medical standards across the country
• Better sharing of information between GPs and transport agencies
• Optional safe-driving refresher courses
• Incentives for older people to switch to other forms of transport

Some experts say that in the future, planning for mobility may be more important than taking away licenses.

What Should People Over 70 Who Drive Do Now?

This is what you need to know:

• Find out what your state needs to do to renew.
• Make regular appointments with your GP.
• If necessary, update vision tests.
• Think about taking voluntary driving tests.
• Talk about your worries with your family.

Staying proactive lowers stress during times of renewal.

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David Clarke is an occupational therapist who helps older drivers with their evaluations.

He says, “A lot of older people drive very safely.” “Often, small changes, like not driving at night, are all that’s needed.”

He says that staying in shape, getting regular eye exams, and knowing what medications you’re taking greatly lower your risk.

Studies show that seniors who choose to avoid high-risk situations stay safe drivers well into their 80s.

Will this have an effect on insurance?

Most insurance companies still cover older drivers without raising their premiums automatically at 70.

But:

• The history of claims is important.
• Medical declarations have to be correct.
• Conditional licenses might change the terms of coverage.

Drivers should let their insurance companies know if their licence conditions change.