South Australia · The Driver's Handbook · chapter 10 · 17 min read

Vehicles, Registration & Glossary

Alternative means of transport

Do you still want to drive?

Some drivers know when to stop driving. They feel increasingly uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally, when driving. Driving has become an ordeal instead of a pleasure and they realise that they could possibly be a danger to themselves, their passengers and other road users.

If you’re not 100% sure, talk to a family member or someone you know.

For more information about issues facing older drivers, driving safely and alternatives to driving, visit www.mylicence.sa.gov.au/safe-driving- tips/older-drivers and download the Obligations and Opportunities for Older Drivers resource. As we get older a time may come when we can no longer drive safely. It is therefore a good idea to find out as much as you can about other means of transport. Some more hazardous or unfamiliar trips might be better undertaken by alternative transport rather than driving. A check with the following organisations will provide you with details about alternative means of transport:

• senior citizens and community centres
• local bus and taxi companies
• City Free bus route
• the Council on the Ageing (SA)
• the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (you need to discuss this with your doctor as a referral for an eligibility assessment is required)
• your local council and community buses
• social networks which may exist within your community
• Service SA. Choosing to use alternative transport compares favourably to the annual cost of running a car, especially when transport discounts and concessions are taken into account. Senior Card holders travel for free on Adelaide Metro. Often using alternative transport is less stressful and more convenient, especially when travelling to major shopping centres or to the city of Adelaide.