Medical declarations and certificates

• The medical declaration
• Medical certificates

The medical declaration

To ensure all drivers on our roads are medically fit to drive, the driver licence application form contains a medical declaration.

Every applicant has to complete this declaration. If they answer 'yes' to any of the questions below, they may need to provide a medical certificate.

The declaration asks you to declare these types of medical condition:

• Diabetes
• Locomotive joint or limb problems
• Strokes
• Nervous or mental disorders
• High blood pressure
• Seizures, fits, convulsions, epilepsy
• Serious injuries (eg, head or spinal injuries)
• Visual disturbances (eg, cataracts, double vision, glaucoma)
• Cerebral vascular accidents/disease
• Cognitive impairment
• Any other condition that may affect your ability to drive safely.

If you've been affected by any of these medical conditions, then you may need to present a medical certificate.

Medical certificates

A medical certificate must:

• be the original
• be issued by a New Zealand-registered medical practitioner
• be not more then 60 days old
• state that you are safe to drive, or set out the conditions under which you can drive.

The cost of a medical certificate will vary from doctor to doctor. (You are responsible for meeting these costs.)

Ask for a Land Transport New Zealand medical certificate (your doctor will have copies).

Medical certificates for holders of heavy class licences and endorsements

If you hold any of the following licence classes and endorsements, you need to present a medical certificate when you renew your driver licence or endorsements:

• P, V, I, and O endorsements - if you have not presented a medical certificate in the last five years (or if you are requested to present one by Land Transport New Zealand)
• Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 licence - if you have not presented a medical certificate in the last five years.

Medical certificates for older drivers

Older drivers have to provide a medical certificate (which includes an eyesight test) when they renew their licence.

As we age, our eyesight and hearing can deteriorate. Regular testing of the vision and health of older drivers makes the roads safer for all road users.

You'll need to renew your licence:

• when you turn 75
• when you turn 80
• every two years after you turn 80.

Last updated: 30 September 2005