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NSW government eases Fitness to Drive process

Move with ‘real-time response’ seen as especially helping people in the regions

 

New South Wales is seeking to streamline its Fitness to Drive initiative, one aimed at truck drivers as well as others.

The initiative involves an annual medical fitness assessment by a general practitioner and is part of the state’s road safety task.

“Drivers who are over 75, people who have certain chronic medical conditions, hold an MC class licence or drive a public passenger vehicle all need regular medical assessments to make sure they are fit to drive,” regional transport and roads minister Paul Toole says.

“We know the challenges in the regions, with many people living hours away from their closest doctor, so this is why we’ve introduced improved online Fitness to Drive forms for doctors to complete.”

Doctors will now be able to email or print a copy of the completed medical assessment at any time. 

 


Read about the NSW changes to OSOM and HML, here


Once submitted online, patients are to receive instant confirmation from the health professional their report has been securely transmitted to Transport for NSW and their driving record has been updated.

“This decision provides drivers with more choice and convenience,” customer service minister Victor Dominello says.

“The real-time response from Transport for NSW also means customers will no longer need to visit a Service NSW Centre to hand in a paper form saving time, effort and money.

“A copy of the completed online medical assessment will be securely stored by the GP, specialist or allied health professional for future reference.”

Customers will still receive a request letter from Transport for NSW in the mail advising when the assessment is due.

“We are encouraging all patients who require a Fitness to Drive assessment to take the letter to your doctor and ask them to fill out the assessment online,” Dominello says.

 

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