Senior Drivers

Understanding Your Older Driver Assessment in NSW

By Amritpal Singh · TfNSW Accredited Assessor · Superb Driving School

If you've received a letter from Transport for NSW asking you to complete an Older Driver Assessment (ODA), you're not alone — and it's nothing to fear. Every driver aged 75 and over in NSW is required to pass this assessment to continue driving, and for most people who have driven safely for decades, it's a straightforward process.

As a Transport for NSW Accredited Assessor based in Campbelltown, I conduct these assessments regularly. Here's exactly what to expect — step by step, no surprises.

What is the Older Driver Assessment?

The Older Driver Assessment is a short, practical driving evaluation required by Transport for NSW for drivers aged 75 and older. It's conducted by an accredited assessor (like me), not by RMS or a government officer. The goal isn't to catch you out — it's to confirm you can continue driving safely in your local area.

From the assessor "We are not trying to take your licence away. Most people who have been driving all their life pass comfortably. My job is to assess whether you're safe on the road — and to give you every opportunity to show that."

The 4-Step Process

Before we can conduct the assessment, a few things need to happen. Here's the full process from start to finish:

1

RTA Letter — Your 3-Month Window Begins

Transport for NSW sends you a letter when your assessment is due (typically 3 months before expiry). This gives you plenty of time to organise everything.

2

See Your GP — Medical Certificate

Your doctor completes a medical report and submits it directly to Transport for NSW online. You don't need to handle any paperwork — just attend your appointment and let your GP send it through.

3

Visit an Optometrist — Eye Test

An optometrist checks your vision and submits a report to Transport for NSW. This is a standard eye test — nothing unusual about it.

4

Eligibility Check + Book Your Assessment

Once your medical and eye reports are in the Transport NSW system, I can confirm your eligibility and book the assessment. I check this via the official Transport NSW assessor portal before visiting you.

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Important: If your eligibility shows as red (not yet eligible), it means your doctor or optometrist hasn't submitted their report yet. Simply contact them — it's usually a quick fix. Once it turns green, we can proceed.

What Happens on Assessment Day?

I come to your home. The assessment starts at your front door and takes approximately 20 minutes. We use your own car — the vehicle you're most comfortable in and familiar with.

During the drive, I observe the following:

  • Speed control — keeping to the speed limit and adjusting for conditions
  • Road positioning — staying in your lane, lane changes
  • Decision making — intersections, roundabouts, turning
  • Hazard response — reacting appropriately to other road users
  • Vehicle control — steering, braking, acceleration
  • Indicators — signalling correctly and at the right time
  • Head checks — checking mirrors and blind spots
  • Parking — a simple park at the end of the route

The Most Common Mistake — Head Checks

The most frequent issue I see is the head check. Many drivers are not doing them as clearly as they should, or they're forgetting them entirely at intersections and lane changes.

However — and this is important — Transport for NSW allows leniency for older drivers when it comes to shoulder checks. While younger drivers are expected to turn 90 degrees, we understand that arthritis and reduced mobility can make a full shoulder check difficult. A 45-degree check is generally sufficient.

Key tip Don't stress about turning your head all the way around. A clear, visible effort to check your blind spot — even 45 degrees — is what we're looking for. We are lenient on this for a reason.

Should You Take a Warm-Up Lesson First?

This is something I recommend for anyone who feels even slightly nervous, or hasn't driven regularly in recent months. An optional 1-hour warm-up lesson in your own car, immediately before the assessment, gives you:

  • A chance to settle into driving and shake off nerves
  • A clear explanation of exactly what I'll be observing in the assessment
  • Practice on the specific skills assessed (head checks, intersections, indicators)
  • A familiar, comfortable start to what might feel like a stressful day
$75 Optional warm-up lesson · 1 hour in your own car

Conducted by Amritpal immediately before your assessment. Most students find this significantly reduces anxiety and improves their result.

Book Your Assessment

Possible Outcomes

After the assessment, there are three possible outcomes:

  • Full unrestricted licence — you pass with no conditions. Most common outcome for drivers who are safe on the road.
  • Conditional licence — you may be restricted to a certain area (e.g. within 25 km or 50 km of your home). This allows you to continue doing your errands, shopping, church, and daily activities. Transport for NSW decides the conditions — not the assessor.
  • Referral for further assessment — if a safety concern is identified, you may be referred for a more detailed review. This is relatively rare.

A conditional licence isn't a failure — it's Transport NSW's way of allowing you to keep your independence within a safe zone. Many of my clients continue driving for years under these conditions.

Ready to Book?

Superb Driving School serves Campbelltown and all of South West Sydney. If you've received your RTA letter, or you're approaching 75 and want to get prepared, give me a call.

Book Assessment — $250 Call 0412 223 604
Refresher Lessons

Refresher Lessons for Senior Drivers: Build Confidence Before Your Assessment

Whether you're preparing for your Older Driver Assessment or simply want to feel more confident on the road, a refresher lesson is one of the best investments you can make. Many of my clients haven't driven regularly for months or even years — and a single lesson can make an enormous difference.

What We Cover in a Refresher

  • Smooth braking and acceleration — especially important in unfamiliar conditions
  • Roundabout and intersection confidence
  • Indicating correctly and at the right moment
  • Head checks and mirror use — the most commonly flagged skill in ODA
  • Parking and reversing without stress
  • Road rule updates — some rules have changed over the years

Your Car or Ours?

For refresher lessons, we always use your own car where possible. You're most comfortable in a vehicle you know — its pedals, steering, and mirrors. There's no value in practising in an unfamiliar car if you'll be assessed in your own.

How to Book

Call Amritpal directly on 0412 223 604, or complete the form at superbdrivingschool.com.au/register. Mention "senior refresher" and we'll work around your schedule — Campbelltown and all of South West Sydney.

Enquire About Refresher Lessons