One of the most noticeable initial problems of being a carer for someone with a brain tumour is the sudden dependence on you to be the main driver. This can be a problem if you were not the main driver previously.
That loss of independence for your friend or relative can be very confronting for both them and yourself.
In most Australian states and territories it is mandatory to report any permanent/long term medical conditions like a brain tumour or brain surgery (neurosurgery). To find out what is necessary in your state/ territory click on the following links:
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra: Medical conditions and fitness to drive |
| New South Wales | Services NSW: Change the medical conditions on a licence |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory Government: Drivers with medical conditions |
| Queensland | Queensland Government: Healthy to drive |
| South Australia | South Australia Government: Fitness to drive |
| Tasmania | Tasmanian Government: Transport Services |
| Victoria | Transport Victoria: Medical conditions |
| Western Australia | Government of Western Australia: Report a medical condition |
Remember
After a brain tumour diagnosis, it’s important to speak to your doctor or cancer care team about what restrictions you or the person you are caring for may have when it comes to driving.
“Assessing Fitness to Drive for commercial and private vehicle drivers” by Austroads advises the following alternatives:
If the person’s condition has stabilised, with no evidence of active tumour or seizure activity, they may be considered fit to investigate return to driving with a conditional license. Conditions may include (not exhaustive):
- Annual medical review
- To take prescribed medications
- To drive with modifications
How to find out about a Conditional Driver’s Licence
If the person’s condition has stabilised, with no evidence of active tumour or seizure activity, they may be considered fit to investigate return to driving with a conditional license. Conditions may include (not exhaustive):
Discuss with person’s treating medical practitioner (Neurosurgeon, Medical Oncologist or Radiation Oncologist) to confirm they will provide medical clearance. This may involve referral for an Occupational Therapy Driver Assessment to assess physical sensory and cognitive perceptual skills as required for return to driving and prescribe appropriate driving modifications if needed.
Once medical clearance is provided, appropriate forms need to be forwarded to the Department of Transport by the treating medical practitioner and occupational therapist (if assessed). This will allow appropriate conditional licence/permit to be issued.
Cost of the assessment may range between $400 to $1000, and is not available through the public health system. However, a subsidy may be available to significantly reduce the cost. Individuals are required to pay a minimum of $100 if assessed eligible for the subsidy.
Applying for a conditional driver’s licence
In some circumstances, if your friend or relative’s condition remains stable over a prolonged period, there is no evidence of active tumour, and they are cognitively and physically able to, steps can be taken to obtain a conditional driving licence for them again. These steps include:
- Medical clearance from your Neurosurgeon, Medical Oncologist or Radiation Oncologist. Your friend or relative will need to obtain a form from the Department of Transport and bring it to an appointment to be completed by a doctor.
- The results of a practical driver assessment by a licensed Occupational Therapist. This can cost somewhere between $400-$500 and is not available through the public health system.
- Your doctor or cancer care team may also have information on how to get a driving assessment.
Flying and getting travel insurance
Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis may affect your ability to travel abroad. This might be due to limitations related to treatments and medications, the effects of the tumour itself or the cost of travel insurance. Make sure to seek your doctor or your care team’s advice on whether they believe you’re fit to fly before booking any flights. Different airlines may also have different rules, so it’s advisable to talk to both your consultant and your airline before booking – many airlines have a medical department that you can talk to.
Here is a list of countries with a reciprocal health agreement with Australia. You may also be interested in Smart Traveller or All Clear Travel for insurance quotes, and A Definitive Guide for Travelling with Disabilities which offers tips on accessible holiday and travel destinations, travelling with mobility issues and more.
For information on discounted modes of transport, see our page on Financial Support, Benefits and Entitlements.