Legislation designed to end medical exams as part of the driving licence renewal process for people under 70 is expected to be debated by MPs when Parliament resumes next month.

Motorists must submit a certificate from their doctor proving they are fit to drive when they update their licence every ten years under the existing rules.

However, the requirement is to be relaxed under the Motor Car and Auxiliary Bicycles (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2026, which was tabled in the House of Assembly last month.

The legislation will also reduce the number of inspections required for new cars within the first five years following licensing.

Under other proposed changes, the frequency of required examinations for cars licensed as public service vehicles will be reduced from every six months to every 12.

Provision is also made for the payment of private car licence duties in instalments, in addition to allowing payments for a portion of the 12-month licence period.

In December 2024, Wayne Furbert, when he was transport minister, said that amended legislation would mean that private licence holders would be required only to self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability until they reach the age of 70.

He added: “A medical certificate will only be required if an applicant reports a condition that might affect their driving fitness.

“This change will reduce the administrative and financial burden for drivers, streamline the renewal process and make it more convenient for applicants, all without compromising safety standards.”

The medical examination change amends provisions of the Motor Car (Driver’s Licence Renewal) Amendment Act 2021 which was passed in the House in March 2021.