A NATIONAL LICENCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM FOR OLDER DRIVERS IN AUSTRALASIA

The aim of this research was to develop a model national licensing assessment procedure for older and disabled drivers which specifically targets at-risk drivers. In 1996, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA embarked on the development of a national uniform model driver screening and evaluation program. During 1998, AustRoads funded a project for the Monash University Accident Research Centre to develop and trial a similar re-licensing procedure for use in Australasia. Project advisory committees in Australia and New Zealand were formed during 1998. Key stakeholders were called together to provide expert advice and to ensure that the development would be attuned to local needs and requirements. Sub-committees have also provided specialist input to the Australasian model procedure in relation to referral mechanisms and assessment procedures. A model re-licensing procedure has now been developed for consideration by licensing authorities. Before this, however, the second stage of the study will pilot the model licensing procedure in two Australasian jurisdictions during 1999-2000. The results of the pilot studies will help to demonstrate the advantages of the system including its likely cost effectiveness and ways in which the model procedure can be implemented fully in Australasia. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E205827.