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Health and driving
A change in your health can affect how comfortably and safely you drive. At Coastwide, we ask you to tell us about anything relevant to your lessons so we can discuss your learning needs. Your doctor assesses medical fitness to drive, and Transport and Main Roads decides any changes to your licence.
When you need to tell TMR
You must report a permanent or long-term medical condition, illness, disability or injury that is likely to make your driving less safe. This responsibility applies to people driving in Queensland on a Queensland or non-Queensland licence. Tell TMR about a relevant change or worsening condition as soon as you become aware of it.
A temporary condition does not normally need reporting unless it becomes long-term or permanent and is likely to affect safe driving. It can still make driving unsafe. Seek and follow medical advice rather than assuming that a short-lived problem is harmless.
TMR explains when you must report a medical condition and your responsibility to be medically fit to drive. Not reporting can lead to penalties and action against your licence.
Conditions worth discussing with your doctor
Examples in the Queensland driving handbook include diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disease, stroke, sleep disorders, arthritis, vision or hearing problems, dementia, mental health conditions, alcohol or drug dependency, and injuries or disabilities affecting limb use.
Having a diagnosis does not automatically mean you cannot drive. The question is how it affects your driving, and your doctor can assess that against the medical standards.
Arrange an assessment and make the report
- Book with your doctor. Explain that you need a fitness-to-drive assessment, as a longer appointment may be needed. Complete your part of the Medical Certificate for Drivers form F3712 and take your licence and any glasses or contact lenses used for driving. Read TMR's appointment checklist.
- Report the condition to TMR. You can notify TMR online with or without a certificate. Alternatively, use the Medical Condition Notification form F4355 by email, post or in person. The official reporting page has the current forms and contact details.
- Provide the medical certificate when required. TMR normally needs the doctor's certificate, except when you are only reporting the need for glasses or contact lenses. Follow the instructions for submitting it and any further assessment requested.
Do not drive during a period when your doctor says you are not medically fit. A medical specialist or an occupational therapist's driving assessment may be needed in some cases; your doctor will advise you.
What a medical condition means for your licence
TMR considers your doctor's assessment and tells you its decision. You may continue with an unconditional licence, receive a conditional licence, or have your licence suspended or cancelled if you are not medically fit to drive.
Unconditional licence
An M condition is not added simply because you have a medical condition. If you meet the unconditional medical criteria, there may be no medical restriction on your licence.
Conditional licence
An M condition means you must comply with the medical conditions and carry your current certificate. Show it to police if asked, and arrange reviews when required.
TMR allows the certificate's tear-off section or a clear digital copy for a conditional licence. Drivers aged 75 and over must carry a current medical certificate even without an M condition. Read the medical certificate guidance and requirements for drivers aged 75 and over.
Restrictions and vehicle modifications
Conditions may limit driving to daylight or require a modified vehicle, such as one fitted with suitable hand controls. Follow the conditions on your licence and certificate, and check any approval requirements for modifications. TMR's guide to medical licence conditions explains the possible outcomes.