About Driving
Driving with a medical condition or disability
Driving is a complex task that relies on physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. When a person has a medical condition or disability, these abilities may be impacted—sometimes in subtle but important ways.
In Queensland, the law requires that any person with a medical condition or disability that may affect their ability to drive must notify their doctor and obtain medical clearance. This process is essential to ensure both personal safety and the safety of other road users.
Understanding Your Legal Obligations
This requirement is reinforced through Jet's Law, introduced following a tragic crash in 2004 involving a driver with uncontrolled epilepsy. The incident resulted in the death of a young child and life-altering injuries to others.
Jet’s Law highlights a simple but critical principle:
If a medical condition may impact driving, it must be assessed and managed appropriately.
Failure to comply with this obligation can result in serious legal, financial, and safety consequences.
When is a Driving Assessment Required?
A General Practitioner (GP) plays a central role in determining medical fitness to drive. However, in many cases, a GP may require further information about how a condition impacts real-world driving ability.
A referral for an Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment is typically made when there are concerns regarding:
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Cognitive function (e.g. attention, memory, processing speed)
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Physical capacity (e.g. strength, coordination, range of movement)
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Vision or perceptual skills
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Progressive or complex medical conditions
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Return to driving following injury or illness
These assessments must be completed by an Occupational Therapist with recognised post-graduate driver assessor qualifications.
What Does an OT Driving Assessment Involve?
An Occupational Therapy Driving Assessment is a comprehensive, evidence-based evaluation consisting of:
Off-road assessment
Evaluation of cognitive, visual, and physical abilities relevant to driving
On-road assessment
Comprehensive assessments that evaluate a person’s ability to manage daily activities, participate in the community, and live safely and independently. Our FCAs are detailed, evidence-based and aligned with funding criteria to support appropriate supports and long-term planning.
Clinical reporting
A detailed medico-legal report outlining findings and recommendations
Following the assessment, a formal report is provided to the referring GP.
Who Makes the Final Decision?
The Occupational Therapist provides a clinical recommendation, however:
The GP makes the final determination regarding medical fitness to drive.
If the person is deemed fit to drive (with or without conditions), the GP will complete a medical certificate for submission to Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the person’s licence will be updated accordingly.
Risks of Driving Without Medical Clearance
Driving without appropriate medical clearance is a serious matter.
Potential consequences include:
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Invalid insurance in the event of an accident
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Significant financial penalties (fines can exceed $10,000)
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Criminal charges and prosecution
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Loss of licence
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Risk of serious harm or death to yourself or others
This is not simply an administrative requirement—it is a critical safety and legal responsibility.
Our Role
At Warwick Occupational Therapy, we provide independent, objective, and comprehensive driving assessments to support safe decision-making.
Our approach is:
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Evidence-based and aligned with national guidelines
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Clear and defensible from a medico-legal perspective
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Focused on safety, independence, and risk management
We work closely with GPs, specialists, and families to ensure the right outcome for each individual.
Further Information
For more information on medical fitness to drive in Queensland, visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/healthy-to-drive
Need a driving assessment or have questions about fitness to drive?
Contact us today to discuss your situation or arrange an assessment.