Assessing Fitness to Drive
It is widely recognised that there are multiple factors that contribute to the safety of a driver while operating a vehicle on the road. However, one of the principle factors for consideration is that of the driver’s health and fitness to drive.
Commercial vehicle drivers (that is drivers of trucks, public passenger vehicles, and vehicles carrying dangerous goods) must meet certain medical criteria to ensure that their inherent health status does not significantly increase their accident risk while operating a vehicle.
The commercial drivers medical is based on and/or conducted in accordance with the national medical standards as set out by Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive Guidelines. Australian States and Territories have established laws, regarding health and driving, to ensure public safety is maintained.
There are certain health and safety requirements that both commercial and private vehicle drivers must meet to successfully lodge the licence application. As an occupational driver, it is your responsibility to consider how your general health and any health conditions, including drug and alcohol use, long-term or permanent illness’, may affect your ability to drive safely under Australian law.