For many WA seniors, the ability to drive, cycle or use public transport is vital in maintaining independence. However, people aged 60 years and over accounted for 19 per cent of all people killed or seriously injured on WA roads between 2016 and 2020.
Road safety risk
There are many reasons the road safety risk increases for senior road users, whether you are driving or using the roads as a pedestrian.
Medication
- Check warning labels on medication and don't drive if the medicine causes sleepiness, nausea, blurred or double vision, dizziness and shaking.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about the effects of your medication.
Vision
- Whether you are using the roads as a driver or as a pedestrian, vision naturally deteriorates as we age.
- Deterioration of eyesight and hearing makes it harder for seniors to judge distances and the speed of traffic.
- It is important to wear spectacles if they have been prescribed and to also have regular eye and hearing checks.
Flexibility
- Some seniors may experience reduced flexibility and slower reaction time.
- These factors can also affect driving ability and your safety as a pedestrian.
Renewing your licence
Once you reach the age of 80, you must undergo an annual medical assessment before you can renew your licence.
This is what you need to do:
- Complete a Medical assessment certificate - senior driver's licence renewal declaration.
- Undertake a medical examination with your Health Professional to assess your fitness to drive.
- Health Professionals concerned about a senior’s medical fitness to drive may still recommend a person take a Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
Mandatory practical driving assessments are no longer required by drivers aged 85 and older, unless recommended by a medical professional.
Here is what you need to do:
- Complete a Medical assessment certificate - senior driver's licence renewal declaration.
- Undertake a medical examination with your health professional to assess your fitness to drive.
- Complete an annual Practical Driving Assessment (PDA), if recommended by your health professional.
- If your licence allows you to drive vehicles such as Light Rigid (LR class) heavy vehicle licences or above, you will need to complete a PDA in a vehicle of the highest class you wish to continue driving before you are able to renew your licence.
The Department of Transport has more information on renewing licences for drivers aged 80-84 years and drivers aged 85 and over.
Alternative transport
Public transport
WA Seniors can travel for free on all Transperth services between 9am and 3:30pm Monday to Friday and all-day Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. All you need is a Seniors, Pensioners or Veterans SmartRider.
Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs
Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs enable people who have difficulty walking to retain their travel independence.
However, these devices are not meant to be used as a replacement for a motor vehicle.
Motorised wheelchair and mobility scooter users are classified as pedestrians under current traffic laws.
The Road Traffic Code 2000 stipulates the maximum speed of these devices is 10 km/h. Devices capable of travelling faster than 10 km/h are classed as a vehicle and must be registered.
People can use mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs on footpaths, shared paths and the sides of roads if there is no footpath.
There are currently no laws prohibiting or governing the use of mobility scooters by people who do not have limited mobility.
