Medical conditions default review periods (for health professionals)
In accordance with advice from the Assessing Fitness to Drive and key specialist societies, Transport for NSW has determined a default review period for all medical conditions relevant to driving.
There are two classes of default review periods, ‘private’ and ‘commercial’. The commercial class may be more stringent to reflect the higher risk to road safety associated with driving heavy vehicles, dangerous goods or carrying public passengers.
Whilst Transport for NSW uses a default review period for specific medical conditions, a medical practitioner may recommend a bespoke review period for their patient at any time. When considering a bespoke review period a medical practitioner should consider:
- Longer review periods may be appropriate for patients with long-term stable conditions.
- Shorter review periods may be appropriate for patients with limited insight, frequent exacerbations, unreliable history or compliance with treatment, or expected to deteriorate over time.
- Clinical guidance contained in the Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines and associated references.
- Results of practical tests.
Note: Transport for NSW has annual medical review requirements for the following:
- Class C, R, LR, MR, HR, HC – from age 75 and over
- Class MC – from age 70 and over
Important: Transport for NSW is currently reviewing the default review periods with clinical experts. Once the review is completed this page will be updated with the relevant advice.