Age-related macular degeneration and driving

When vision changes due to a condition such as AMD, it can affect your ability to drive safely. Depending on the type of AMD and level of vision, these changes will impact every person differently, so always seek advice specific to you from your eye care professional.

How can AMD affect my ability to drive?

AMD can cause several changes in your vision, each of which can affect your ability to drive safely. You may experience symptoms such as:

• Blurry vision, making it harder to read street signs or notice smaller details on the road.
• Lane markers or other straight lines appearing distorted or wavy.
• Dark or missing spots in your vision obscuring hazards, pedestrians or other cars.
• Increased difficulty driving at night.

If you notice these symptoms, or an increase in the severity of these symptoms, it is important to consult your eye care professional right away. It is important they know about any changes in your vision to continue giving you accurate medical advice and treatment.

Will I lose my license?

A diagnosis of AMD does not necessarily mean you will lose your license. Some types of AMD can progress slowly, and different changes to your vision will affect your eligibility for a license differently. You might be able to continue driving normally, be eligible for a conditional license with conditions such as regular eye tests or only driving during the daytime. To learn more about licensing standards in Australia, read our article on driving and vision loss.

Some people with AMD may be candidates for bioptic driving, where drivers use a bioptic telescope to continue driving with some vision loss.

Your eye care professional will be able to test your vision and advise you of your safest option. However, if your AMD progresses, there may come a time where it is no longer safe for you to drive. This may be because your vision is no longer within the legal range for a conditional or unconditional license, or because you or a loved one has noticed changes in your driving which are worrying you. If a loved one has these concerns, it may be worth considering stepping back from driving voluntarily. For more support with this decision, you can read our article on deciding when and if to stop driving.

Further resources

There are also a range of resources available for older drivers which you may find helpful, including self-assessments you can perform at home and information about alternate transport options in your state. These resources are linked below.

• Self-assessment: Decision aid for older drivers.
• Australian Capital Territory: Older Drivers Handbook.
• New South Wales: On the road 65Plus. This handout is also available in languages other than English. Click on your preferred language to access them. Vietnamese, Korean, Greek, Hindi, Arabic, Filipino, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese.
• Northern Territory: Information for senior drivers.
• Queensland: Driving safely as you age.
• South Australia: Moving Right Along Handbook.
• Tasmania: Older Drivers Handbook.
• Victoria: Information for older drivers and Getting around without a car factsheet and Fit to Drive PDF.
• Western Australia: Reducing road safety risk for seniors.

For more information

Always speak with your eye care professional or doctor for advice and information specific to you and your level of vision. They can advise of the legal eyesight standards for driving and license options available in your state or territory. If you live with other medical conditions, talk to your GP to find out if there are additional risks associated with AMD and other conditions which may affect your ability to drive safely further.