In Western Australia (WA), drivers with an occupational licence or a medical condition, must show they are fit to drive before they can get or renew their driver's license.
The Department of Transport (DoT) understands that requirements for proving fitness to drive vary based on individual health needs. Some drivers are required to undergo regular medical check-ups by a health practitioner, whilst others only need to submit a simpler health declaration periodically.
Medical assessment certificate: Fitness to drive (Form M107A)
If you are required to have a medical check-up before renewing your driver's licence, you must have a Medical assessment certificate: Fitness to drive (Form M107A) completed and submitted to DoT by a health practitioner to show that you are still fit to drive.
To obtain a Medical Assessment Certificate - Fitness to Drive (Form M107A):
- DoT will send you the M107A form around 12 weeks before your driver's licence expires.
The form is also available for download, or at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional DoT office or agent . Make sure to bring proof of identity if collecting in person.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment with your regular health practitioner taking the M107A form with you. Since this examination may take longer than a regular consultation, you should advise that the appointment is for a driving medical assessment.
Your health practitioner will usually send the completed medical assessment form directly to DoT by email or mail.
Your suitability to hold a driver's licence will be determined on medical advice provided by your health professional(s), in accordance with Austroads' national standards for assessing a person's fitness to drive.
Once all documents are received, DoT will inform you of the decision regarding your fitness to hold a driver's licence.
If you disagree with the decision, you can provide more medical information to assist DoT in reviewing your fitness to drive.
We will take into consideration all information we have received when assessing your fitness to hold a driver's licence. For us to accept medical information, that information must:
- address all medical conditions on your record
- refer to Austroads' assessing fitness to drive guidelines
- be no older than 6 months from the assessment date
If you are not passed fit to hold a driver’s licence before your driver’s licence has expired, you are not authorised to drive until you have completed all medical requirements, and your licence has been renewed.
Renewal of driver licences where a medical assessment is required
Driver's licences are usually valid for 1 or 5 years, depending on your choice. If your licence requires a medical assessment, the renewal period may be shorter.
Fitness to Drive Declaration (FTDD)
Eligible drivers whose medical condition is well maintained and under the regular care of a medical professional can complete a Fitness to Drive Declaration (FTDD) in lieu of a medical assessment with their health practitioner.
However, this doesn’t apply to:
- new drivers to WA
- learner's permit applicants
- drivers who report a new medical condition to DoT
- occupational drivers (taxi, bus, rideshare and public passenger carrying drivers, as well as driving instructors)
- drivers aged 80 years and older.
If you are eligible, you can complete the FTDD form sent to you and submit it to DoT with information about your ongoing fitness to drive.
Drivers who are not eligible to complete Fitness to Drive Declaration will be required to complete a Medical assessment certificate: Fitness to drive (M107A) with their medical practitioner.
The FTDD will be sent to you around 12 weeks prior to the expiry of your licence. Complete it, sign it, and return it to DoT using the reply-paid envelope provided.
Licence conditions
How your licence is affected by the declaration of your medical condition depends on the condition itself and the action taken by the DoT in determining your fitness to hold a driver's licence.
You may be asked to:
- undertake a medical assessment with your health professional or specialist, or
- undertake a practical driving assessment, or
- have your licence amended requiring you to only drive under certain circumstances.
In some instances, your licence may not be affected at all.
DoT will notify you in writing of the status of your licence.
The following are some examples of conditions that might be placed on your licence after a medical review:
- you must always wear corrective lenses while driving
- you must drive only a motor vehicle equipped with specified driver aids or modified as directed in writing by the Driver Licensing Authority
- you must take medication as prescribed
- you must provide a medical certificate before your next renewal
- you are restricted to a 0.02% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
The conditions will be reviewed if DoT receives advice from your health practitioner as to the status of your condition.
Refer to licence restrictions and conditions for licence codes and what they mean.
What will be shown on your licence?
No specific details about your medical condition will be displayed on your licence card. The only information that will appear on your licence card are:
- information concerning the need to take medication for a medical condition. Your licence card will be updated with the phrase: To take medication as prescribed.
- information detailing any visual aids you need to drive safely. Your licence will be updated with the phrase: To wear suitable visual aids whilst driving.
Your privacy and confidentiality
All medical information you provide is kept private and confidential. It will not be shared with insurance companies or third parties.
Fees
The driver's licence renewal fee for a renewal which is not a standard period (1 or 5 years) is different from the normal renewal fees. It is calculated pro rata of the standard renewal fee to ensure you are not disadvantaged.
The renewal fee can be paid:
- using our online payment system
- via BPAY®
- in person, at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional DoT office or agent
- by post.
If a photograph and signature are required, only the last 2 options are available.
For more information refer to your payment options.
Driver's licence standard fees
If you have a medical condition or occupational endorsement on your driver's licence which requires DoT to set a driver's licence renewal period other than the standard 1 to 5 years, then the fees you are required to pay may differ from the ones stated below.
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46.85 |
| 5 years | $163.50 |
Pensioner and senior driver's licence standard fees
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Driver licence fee: 1 year Pensioner or Senior | $16.35 |
| Driver licence fee: 5 years Pensioner or Senior | $81.75 |
Aged Pensioners driver's licence fees
Your renewal notice must be validated by DoT either through our online services, via DoTDirect, by calling 13 11 56 or presented to a DVS centre or regional agent even if no fee is payable.
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Driver licence fee: 1 year Aged Pensioners | No fee |
| Driver licence fee: 5 years Aged Pensioners | No fee |
Footnotes
For Driver licence fee: 1 year Aged Pensioners and Driver licence fee: 5 years Aged Pensioners, your renewal notice must still be presented to a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional DoT office or agent to update your licence record even if no fee is payable.
Driver's licence forced by condition fees
If you have a medical condition or occupational endorsement on your driver's licence which requires DoT to set a driver's licence renewal period other than the standard 1 to 5 years, then the fees you are required to pay are stated below.
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Driver licence fee: 1 year forced by condition | $32.70 |
| Driver licence fee: 2 years forced by condition | $65.40 |
| Driver licence fee: 3 years forced by condition | $98.10 |
| Driver licence fee: 4 years forced by condition | $130.80 |
Pensioner and senior driver's licence forced by condition fees
| Fee description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Driver licence fee: 1 year Pensioner or Senior forced by condition | $16.35 |
| Driver licence fee: 2 years Pensioner or Senior forced by condition | $32.70 |
| Driver licence fee: 3 years Pensioner or Senior forced by condition | $49.05 |
| Driver licence fee: 4 years Pensioner or Senior forced by condition | $65.40 |