Support when you can no longer drive

As you get older, you may find that you can no longer drive safely. The following information and resources may help you maintain the independence and mobility you had with a driver licence as you prepare for life without driving.

Help to decide

First, talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or your doctor. Ask them to give you their honest opinion of your driving ability.

Preparing to stop driving

If you decide to stop driving, you can stay active and go places using other methods of travel. It helps to plan ahead.

• Think about where you live – can you easily get to family, friends, shops and doctors without a car.
• Find local services – see what services are nearby and if you can walk there.
• Learn to use public transport – if you haven’t used buses or trains, now is a good time to learn. Consider planning and travelling with a friend or family member who knows how to use the system.
• Decide what to do with your car – you could sell it or give it to a relative or friend. Make sure you transfer the registration.
• Ask for help – talk to your family and friends about how they can help you.
• Organise delivery services – you can get many services to come to your home such as for groceries, library books, medicine, meals, and trade and cleaning services.

Plan how to get places

There are many options to stay active and go places without a car.

• Translink provides public transport services in many Queensland cities and towns, including bus, train, ferry or light rail.
• Flexible local transport is a prebooked, shared service we offer in some communities in Queensland.
• Taxis or ride sharing services.
• Mobility scooters
• Travel with family, friends and neighbours
• Walking or riding a bike to local places.

Returning your licence to us

When you’re ready to stop driving, you’ll need to return your licence to us.

You’ll also need to return your licence to us if your doctor has decided that you’re not able to continue to drive safely. You’ll be given a medical certificate saying that you don’t meet the medical criteria to hold a licence and that you should no longer drive.

Read how to surrender your licence for medical reasons and get a refund for the unused part of your driver licence period.

Get a free photo identification card

If you volunteer to surrender your driver licence, you may be eligible to get a free Photo ID card so that you have an alternative form of photo identity.

Read about how to apply for a photo identification card.

Access support services and extra help for seniors

Government and community groups offer support to help you to transition to not driving. You may also be eligible for transport financial assistance.

Concessions on public transport

Seniors are eligible for concessions on public transport throughout Queensland. Read about concessions for seniors on the Translink website, and some further local council subsidies for residents.

Taxi Subsidy Scheme

The Queensland Government offers Queenslanders with eligible medical conditions a subsidy on their taxi travel.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Taxi Subsidy Scheme and how to apply.

Seniors enquiry line

The Seniors Enquiry Line assists Queenslanders, including with the loss of driving independence. The service is funded by the Queensland Government and includes access to:

• counselling
• driver trainers
• alternative transport
• community groups with volunteer drivers
• church groups with personal support to prolong independence.

Learn more about the Seniors enquiry line transport options or phone 1300 135 500.

My Aged Care program

The My Aged Care program provides a wide range of help for people who are no longer able to drive. Depending on your situation, the types of care can include transport, deliveries or help around the house. Learn about the transport support they offer.

St John Community Transport

St John Community Transport assists Queenslanders with limited or no access to safe, affordable and assisted transport. The transport service operates in:

• North Brisbane
• Wide Bay
• Townsville
• Toowoomba.

Visit the St John Community Transport web page or phone on 1300 785 646.

Vision Australia

If you’re experiencing loss of driving independence due to reduced vision, Vision Australia may be able to assist you. They offer a range of services including assistance if you’re transitioning from driving to using other forms of transport.

Specialist staff are able to assist you, if needed, to:

• make safe road crossing decisions
• manage steps, gutters and other ground surface changes
• use public transport and taxis.

They also provide information about travel passes. Visit the Vision Australia website or phone 1300 847 466.