There are changes in the way practitioners must assess a person’s medical fitness to drive.
After reviewing the medical standards within the Assessing Fitness to Drive (AFTD) guidelines last year, the National Transport Commission (NTC) made several changes to Fitness to Drive medicals which came into effect on 22 June 2022.
AFTD is a joint NTC and Austroads publication. To clarify, it contains nationally agreed medical standards for granting a driver’s licence.
Jobfit practitioners use AFTD to assess a person’s ability to drive safely as part of the Fitness to Drive medicals they complete for our employer clients.
“The new standard has some additions, some criteria changes and, in some cases, clarification of existing standards. Furthermore, these changes ensure that clinicians can apply the standards in a consistent manner,” said Jobfit Health Group National Medical Director Dr Ilse Stockhoff.
“Jobfit doctors are fully across these new standards. The 2022 edition of the guidelines will apply for any driver or worker booked in for a Fitness to Drive medical.
“The new edition of the guidelines is timely. They are usually reviewed every three years, however the previous edition was six years old.”
What changed?
The changes clarify a clinician’s assessment of:
- older drivers
- drivers with multiple medical conditions
- drivers with disabilities
Changes to fitness to drive criteria have also been made to several conditions, including:
- cardiovascular conditions
- musculoskeletal conditions
- neurological conditions including dementia and cognitive impairment, seizures and epilepsy, and others
- substance misuse
- vision and eye disorders
The latest edition of AFTD also includes extensive guidance on medical marijuana (cannabis).
Dr Stockhoff said the legal obligations of the driver, health professional and licensing authority had not changed.
“What the new standards do highlight though is the importance of clinician’s advising drivers about the impact their medical condition or disability has on driving tasks, and the importance of sharing of information between health professionals” she said.
“The inclusion of a section in the new standard about medical cannabis is notable.
“This is an increasingly discussed topic across the industry with cannabis being prescribed more often to treat health conditions.
“However, the legal implication for cannabis has not changed, regardless of whether used recreationally or as prescribed. Drivers and employers both require ongoing education to ensure they know that driving under the influence of any illicit drugs is still deemed illegal.”
The AFTD guidelines are based on the latest medical knowledge. Moreover, medical associations, patient representative groups, driver licensing authorities and industry provide input.
The medical standards in AFTD apply in all Australian states and territories.
To find out more about these changes to Fitness to Drive medicals, phone Jobfit on 1300 61 61 65 or request a quote for commercial driver medical assessments.
