Australians with autism diagnoses may have to retake driving tests – report

Australian motorists with autism diagnoses reportedly face hefty fines and the possibility of needing to undergo another practical driving assessment due to a relatively unknown rule.

A controversial new standard for Australian motorists – quietly introduced last year – could result in road users with Autism Spectrum Disorder having to retake their driving test, despite having no prior incidents or convictions.

As reported by ABC News, in 2022 Australia’s ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ standards were updated to include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a medical condition which could impact the ability of a motorist to drive.

While all motorists have been made to take a driving test to obtain their driver’s licence, the updated standards included a provision which called for road users with ASD to be “assessed individually” – a clause which ABC News reports could involve a practical driving assessment.

Despite only recently being added to the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards, ASD has been a reportable health condition in Queensland since 2012 – and motorists who fail to obtain medical clearance from a doctor but continue to drive after a diagnosis could be fined up to $9288 plus risk losing their licence.

According to Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads website, ASD is not immediately listed as a medical condition which could affect an individual’s ability to drive safely – adding to the problem of motorists not knowing about the potential fines.

ABC News reports Western Australia is the only other Australian state or territory which threatens to issue a fine – of $500 – if the condition is not disclosed. All other jurisdictions require long-term health conditions which may impact an individual’s ability to drive to be reported.

The rule change has led to an outcry from medical professionals and motorists on the spectrum, who claim the standards are discriminatory to those who live with autism and have previously passed their driving test.

“Arbitrarily requiring people with Autism Spectrum Disorder to undergo costly … reviews to continue driving despite no record of driving penalties is a significant overreach and must change,” Australian Psychological Society chief executive Zena Burgess told ABC News.

“The rule is humiliating for people who have autism and is not based on their circumstances, skills or an understanding of their needs.

“Many adults who suspect they may have [autism spectrum disorder] will also be less likely to engage a psychologist for assessment and possible treatment due to this rule due to the negative consequences of a diagnosis.”

The National Transport Commission (NTC) – which develops the Assessing Fitness to Drive guidelines with Australian/New Zealand transport organisation Austroads – told the publication the standards were developed with input from medical experts.

“The NTC undertook extensive engagement with medical experts along with public consultation on the guidelines,” a spokesperson said to ABC News.

“It was open to anyone or any organisation to make a submission. The medical standard in relation to neurological disorders which include ASD remains unchanged. Suggesting otherwise is misleading.”

According to ABC News, Queensland’s Department of Transport “is currently undertaking work to enhance awareness among the community and health professionals of the medical condition reporting process, and ensuring that medical fitness to drive is assessed consistently with the national medical standards provided in the Austroads Assessing Fitness to Drive (AFTD) Guidelines.”

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