Older drivers no longer face routine cognitive screening based on age alone

Guidelines around the testing of elderly drivers have changed, minister says. Photo / 123rf

Some questions in dementia tests previously required for older drivers were “quite silly” but others could even trip up younger people, an elderly driver reckons.

Bruce is in his 80s and has always passed the cognitive tests that are compulsory for all drivers from the age of 75, he said.

Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced on Tuesday that older drivers shouldn’t undergo routine cognitive screening based on age alone, with health practitioners instead told to assess people individually and use cognitive screening only where there’s a clinical reason.

“A single screening test cannot determine whether someone is safe on our roads ... assessments should consider the person’s overall health, physical and cognitive function, medical and driving history, and any safety concerns. They should also draw on the health practitioner’s clinical judgment.”