Your responsibility to be healthy to drive

Your health can change how safely you drive

Driving comes with responsibilities. These include making sure you're medically fit to drive.

Being fit to drive means that you are capable of driving safely. Some health problems can affect your ability to drive safely. To drive safely, you need:

• good eyesight
• fast reactions
• clear thinking
• to understand what you see.

Your health can change how well you do these things. We want you to drive for as long as you are well and safe.

You’re legally responsible

If you drive in Queensland, including on a non-Queensland licence, you must report your medical condition to us.

What the law says is a medical condition

A medical condition is a permanent, or long term, mental or physical incapacity that is likely to adversely affect your ability to drive safely.

Jet's Law

The medical condition reporting laws are called Jet’s Law. It was named to recognise Jet Rowland.

The tragic story of Jet Rowland tells us why all drivers and riders must be medically fit to drive.

In 2004, a driver with epilepsy had a seizure and crashed into the car Jet was travelling in. Jet was 22 months old and was killed by the impact of the crash. Jet’s seven-year-old brother, Bailey, now uses a wheelchair and their mother, Anita, was also severely injured.

Access Jet's law from the Queensland Legislation website.

Before you drive

Before you drive, you need to think about how well you are. You’re responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Everyone should be safe on the road. If you are unsure about whether your medical condition is likely to make your drive less safe, we encourage you to seek medical advice about your specific condition.

Driving when you’re not medically fit to drive is breaking the law. You and others around you may get hurt. There could also be serious consequences for yourself and others if you have a crash. If it’s determined that your health condition contributed to the crash, you may be prosecuted.

Read how to find out if you’re fit to drive safely.