Assessment

Assess your own driving fitness so you stay mobile and safe.

In Australia, driving a vehicle is not just a way to get from one place to another. It frequently means something about who we are and how we conduct our lives. If we lose the ability to drive, or even if we choose to limit our driving, we're losing more than just transportation. So it is well worth investing the time and energy to maintain or strengthen our driving skills.

Driver Self-Assessment

Some of the changes you experience as you get older can affect your ability to drive safely. The good news is that people who keep track of changes in their eyesight, physical fitness and reflexes may be able to adjust their driving habits so they stay safe on the road.

The following questions will help you decide if physical changes have affected your driving skills.

Do your own check-up

• Feel uncomfortable, nervous or fearful while driving?
• Bump or scrape the car on fences or garage doors?
• Difficulty staying in your lane of travel?
• Trouble paying attention to traffic signals, road signs and road markings?
• Find yourself reacting more slowly to changes in traffic - such as cars stopping suddenly?
• Medical conditions or medications that may be affecting the ability to handle the car safely?
• Often have "close calls" (almost crash)?
• Trouble judging gaps in traffics at intersections and roundabouts?
• Other drivers honk or abuse you?
• Friends or relatives not wanting to drive with you?

You may want to consult your doctor if you are having problems with concentration or memory, or other physical symptoms that may be affecting your ability to drive.

If you notice one or more of these warning signs you may want to have your driving assessed by a professional driving instructor. NRMA Safer Driving School has 'Refresher' lessons for people of all ages.

Our refreshers can help you sharpen your skills and provide you with the experience of having someone independently observe your driving skills and provide you with the appropriate feedback to enhance your skills. Many senior drivers have found this useful, particularly if they are approaching the stage where they need to have their license renewed. Click here to find out more.

For further information on availability and pricing and for bookings please call 1300 696 762 in New South Wales and the ACT.

A detailed self assessment checklist can be downloaded here (PDF 144KB/2 pages).