How it could soon be harder for boomers to keep their driver's licence in one Aussie state

Calls have grown to expand regulations for older drivers to renew their licence in Victoria after figures showed they accounted for a startling number of road deaths. 

Disturbing statistics revealed drivers over 65 years of age caused a concerning number of accidents over the last five years, killing 145 people and injuring 7,080.

In NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT, drivers aged 75 and over need an annual medical assessment to keep their licence.

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners chair Dr Anita Muñoz wanted the regulations to be expanded into Victoria.

'This is not about discriminating against older people, but a recognition that the skills that are required to drive safely can be lost as we get older,' she said. 

After their teenage son Hugh Roberts was hit by an older driver in 2022, devastated parents Meiko and Alex said there should be tougher regulations. 

'His life was completely messed up because of this old guy driving crazily,' Ms Roberts said.

'He shouldn't have been driving,' Mr Roberts said.

'Maybe there are 87-year-olds who can drive safely, but you would want to have that checked.'

Instead of undergoing a mandatory test, older Victorian drivers are only required to report any medical condition that may impact their ability to drive safely.

'It makes me very nervous as a clinician because it is up to the patient to act on my advice and notify VicRoads,' Dr Kate Gregorevic said.

She said the ability to drive gives older people freedom and independence, but said an annual driving and medical assessment was necessary.

Once drivers turn 75 in NSW they are required to undergo an annual medical test to keep their licence. 

Drivers over 85 also need to take a practical driving test every two years.

Thousands of elderly people in NSW are avoiding these on-road driving tests by volunteering for a modified licence. 

These restrict the distance they are permitted to drive and can also prevent them driving at night.

Dr Muñoz believes annual medical checks would help drivers be aware of health conditions that can affect their driving. 

Council on the Ageing Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria CEO Chris Potaris said mandatory testing could see older drivers stop driving before they need to. 

'We continue to support Victoria's approach, which emphasises a driver's behaviour and medical fitness to operate a motor vehicle,' he said. 

'Driving should be based on ability, not on age.'