Older drivers, riders and road users

If you're intending to continue driving or riding after you've turned 70, use this guide to familiarise yourself with the:

assessments that are required to retain your licence
options and concessions that are available.

Driver or rider licence holders

From 75 years of age, to keep an unrestricted driver (class C) or rider (class R) licence, you need to undergo a medical assessment each year.

From 85 years of age, in addition to the yearly medical assessment, you need to pass a practical driving or riding test. From then on, a practical assessment has to be undertaken every 2 years.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) should send you a letter by post 8 weeks before your birthday. The medical assessment and driving test (if applicable) must be completed before your birthday.

If you would like a practise run before you do your driving or riding assessment, refresher courses are available at driving schools and rider training establishments. Fees are charged for these courses.

Car driver test

You can do the driving test with either:

a SNSW driver testing officer at a Service NSW Centre, or
an older-driver assessor (a licensed driving instructor accredited by TfNSW).

SNSW driver testing officer

If you choose to take your test with a SNSW driver testing officer you can have up to 3 attempts and will not be charged a fee.

To book a test, call 13 77 88, or visit your nearest service centre.

Older-driver assessor

If you choose to be tested by an older-driver assessor, there is no limit to the number of attempts, but you will be charged each time.

You can find an older-driver assessor online.

Motorcycle rider test

How you undertake your rider (R class) test will depend on the 'area' in which you live. Most NSW city and regional postcodes are considered to be in declared areas.

Declared area

Rider training is available – contact your nearest rider training centre and ask for an Aged MOST (Motorcycle Operator Skills Test).

Undeclared area

Rider training is not available – call 13 22 13 or visit a service centre to book an Aged Rider Kerbside Test.

Failing a test with a 'serious error'

In most instances if you fail your test you can take it again. However, if your driving or riding assessor judges that you failed your test with a ‘serious error’, your licence will be cancelled.

A serious error is when your driving or riding behaviour is a clear danger to yourself or other road users.

It's always a good idea to bear in mind alternative travel arrangements to get home, in case you do not pass the assessment.

Heavy vehicles

Class MC licence holders

From 70 years of age, to keep a multi-combination (MC) driver licence, you need to pass a medical assessment and a driving test, annually.

Class LR, MR, HR or HC licence holders

To keep your heavy vehicle light rigid (LR), medium rigid (MR), heavy rigid (HR) or heavy combination (HC) licence, you must pass an annual:

medical assessment from 75 years of age, and
from 80 years of age, a driving test as well.

TfNSW should send you an assessment letter by post 8 weeks before your birthday. The medical assessment and driving test must be completed before your birthday.

Aged driving tests for heavy vehicle licence holders are conducted by Service NSW driver testing officers only. To book a test, call 13 77 88, or visit your nearest service centre.

Note: If you no longer need or want your heavy vehicle licence you can change to a class C (car only) licence at any time and at no cost. Visit a service centre to make the change.

Benefits and concessions for pensioners

Mobility parking scheme

If you have a medical condition or disability that affects your walking or vision, you may be eligible for a NSW Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit. The permit lets you park in disability parking spaces and access certain concessions.

Special mobility vehicles

A Special Mobility Vehicle (SMV) is a vehicle that a person with a disability can operate from their wheelchair.

More information

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Last updated: 4 December 2024