Assessing Fitness to Drive
- Publication no: AP-R707-24
- ISBN: 978-1-922994-26-4
- Published: 21 May 2024
- PDF (free) Download
This report describes the results of surveys conducted among medical practices and medical practitioners in March/April 2023. The surveys investigated the barriers to conducting fitness for duty assessments in the transport industry, and the resource and training requirements to support ongoing implementation.
The surveys were conducted among practices engaged with the Australian Trucking Association TruckSafe Program and among members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine.
Barriers were identified at various levels, pointing to the need for a broad strategy addressing the knowledge and skills of health professionals, the awareness of heavy vehicle drivers and operators, and the systems that govern and support the conduct of the assessments.
The report identifies recommendations for Austroads in addressing implementation of Assessing Fitness to Drive for commercial vehicle driver health assessments.
- Summary
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Project Activities
- 2.1 Engagement with ATA and ANZSOM
- 2.1.1 Australian Trucking Association
- 2.1.2 The Australian and New Zealand Society of Occupational Medicine
- 2.2 Surveys of Medical Practitioners and Practices
- 2.2.1 Purpose
- 2.2.2 Distribution and Follow-Up
- 2.2.3 Survey Response and Demographics
- 2.1 Engagement with ATA and ANZSOM
- 3. Survey Findings
- 3.1 Experience with the TruckSafe Program
- 3.2 Accessing the Assessing Fitness to Drive
- 3.3 Conduct of Commercial Driver Assessments
- 3.4 Barriers to Conducting Fitness for Duty Assessments
- 3.5 Education and Resources
- 3.5.1 Current Education
- 3.5.2 Education Needs and Preferences
- 3.5.3 Other Resources
- 3.6 Certification and Recognition
- 4. Conclusions and Next Steps
- References
- Appendix A TruckSafe Medical Practitioner Survey
- Appendix B TruckSafe Medical Practice Survey