Senior Driving Test
We provide senior driving tests & refresher lessons for senior drivers.
What is a Senior Driving Test?
A NSW Senior Driving Test is a short practical driving assessment designed to check that you:
- know and can apply the road rules
- can make safe, sensible decisions in traffic and;
- can control your vehicle smoothly and confidently
The drive usually only takes around 15 to 20 minutes and is conducted on familiar streets that you commonly drive on.
Your senior driver assessor will give you clear simple directions along the way and your result is based on how you handle a variety of everyday driving situations.
Once you reach a certain age, you need to complete an older driving test to keep your licence. This is to help ensure the safety of both you and other road users.
This requirement applies from age 70, 75 or 85, depending on your licence type.
What’s required will depend on your age, the class of licence you hold, and any recommendations from your doctor.
For senior drivers who want to keep their Class C licence and are:
Age 75-79 required if your General Practitioner (GP) recommends it.
Age 80-84 your assessment is not required unless your General Practitioner (GP) recommends it.
Age 85 years or older, you need to sit a Senior Driver Assessment every two (2) years to keep an unrestricted Class C licence.
What’s the Difference between a Service NSW Testing Officer and a Senior Driver Assessor?
In NSW, senior drivers have two (2) options to choose from when completing their aged driver assessments.
- A Testing Officer from Service NSW or;
- Older Driver Assessor approved by Transport for NSW
The roles and responsibilities of a Testing Officer and an Older Driver Assessor are distinct, each serving specific aspects of driver testing and assessment, particularly for senior drivers.
Assessors (accredited driving instructors) and Testing Officers (Service NSW employees) use the same assessment criteria to assess you.
Testing Officer
A Testing Officer is an employee of Service NSW, responsible for conducting driving tests for all drivers, including older drivers. Their primary role is to conduct regular driving tests as part of the licencing process for drivers of all ages.
This includes assessing the safe and effective operation of a vehicle in differing situations including the drivers knowledge of road rules.
Older Driver Assessor
An Older Driver Assessor on the other hand, is usually an accredited driving instructor who has been approved by Transport for NSW to conduct elderly driver assessments specifically tailored for drivers aged 75 and over.
In addition, when you book with us, you can re-sit the assessment as many times as you like, considering that you don’t have a Serious Error during any of the on-road assessments.
Advantages of an Older Driver Assessor
Assessments from Home
Older Driver Assessors often offer a more personalised service, including the option to conduct the driving assessment from your home or another location that’s suitable for you.
Familiar Location
Your older driver assessor will not only conduct the assessment from your home, but they will generally also use local roads that you know well. This often helps you feel more relaxed and confident than testing in an unfamiliar area.
Unlimited Attempts
Unlike Service NSW where you only have a maximum of 3 attempts, you can attempt the assessment as many times as you like considering you haven’t committed a serious error on a previous assessment.
Supportive Feedback
Older driver assessors provide clear, constructive feedback at the end of your drive. If improvements are needed, they can recommend targeted refresher lessons before your next attempt.
Older Age Assessor or
Service NSW Testing Officer
Assessment from Home
with Accredited Driving Instructor
Conducted by a Transport for NSW Accredited Older Driver Assessor (Driving Instructor).
Your Senior Driver Assessment is a 'fee for service'.
You can do as many driving assessments as you like as long as you do not commit a "Serious Fail" based on the test standards.
Assessments are conducted starting at your home and on roads you drive every day in your local area before finishing at your home .
BOOK DRIVING ASSESSMENT
Assessment from Service NSW
with Testing Officer
Conducted by a Service NSW Testing Officer Employee.
Your assessment is completed free of charge.
You can only attempt the driving assessment three (3) times. After 3 failed attempts you will be issued with a modified licence.
Assessments are conducted starting from the Service Centre and through a set route before finishing back at the Servic Centre.
BOOK DRIVING ASSESSMENT
What Happens During the Senior Driving Test?
During a senior driving test, the assessor will start with a short chat about your driving, any health considerations you want to mention, and how the assessment will run.
They will make sure of the following;
- check that your drivers licence is current
- check that the vehicle you are using is registered and roadworthy. (This will include a quick safety check to ensure indicators and brake lights are all working correctly and the tyres are to standard).
You will then go for a drive on familiar local roads. During the drive, the assessor will give clear directions in good time.
You will be asked to do everyday driving tasks such as turning at intersections, negotiating roundabouts and choosing safe gaps. There are no trick routes or surprise tasks.
You will be assessed on how well you follow road rules, manage speed, choose safe gaps, keep a safe following distance, and respond to hazards.
They do not coach while you are driving, and may ask you to stop if something becomes unsafe.
What Happens After the Assessment?
If you Pass
At the end, you will receive relevant feedback and your assessor will tell you if you passed or failed immediately after the driving assessment. If you have pass, you can keep your licence and your result is recorded with Service NSW.
Your assessor will discuss areas where you performed well and areas that may require improvement.
If you Don’t Pass
If you don’t pass the Senior Driver Assessment,
- Your assessor will discuss the assessment report/scoresheet for reasons why
- Your assessor will provide suggestions for areas that require improvement
- Your assessor will help arrange a refresher lesson and/or another assessment date when you are ready.
You Can Re-Book the Assessment Again
You can re-sit the assessment again however:
- You must ensure that the next assessment date is still within the required time (around your birthday) and
- You haven’t committed a serious error in the previous assessment.
If you failed due to a serious error, unfortunately, your drivers licence will be cancelled.
A serious error is driving that’s a clear danger to yourself or others.
What is the Assessment Process
Simple online booking and assessment process
CHOOSE YOUR TIME & DATE
Choose a suitable time and date to complete your driving assessment.
BOOK & CONFIRM
You can easily book online or call us on 1300 632 679 to book your assessment.
COMPLETE YOUR ASSESSMENT
Your friendly assessor will complete your driving assessment.