The Department of Transport and Main Roads has announced relief to some medical certificate requirements for drivers aged 75 and over to further protect them from the risk of COVID-19.
Under the changes, senior Queensland drivers will no longer be required to visit their doctor or optometrist to obtain a medical certificate to meet licensing requirements, reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey said seniors should be limiting their travel during the pandemic.
“The health advice has been clear – stay at home,” Mr Bailey said.
“Medical certificates that were obtained to meet the senior driver requirements that expired after 29 January 2020 will be considered valid until six months after the COVID-19 emergency ends.”
Mr Bailey said senior drivers would also not be committing an offence if they drove while not holding a valid medical certificate during the emergency period.
“The more people staying at home, the more we can lessen the strain on our health system,” the Minister said.
“I encourage everyone in the community to relay this information to older friends and relatives to help ease their concerns.”
