The letter arrived. It says Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is looking at your licence for medical reasons. Or you have had an OT driving assessment and you are afraid of what it will say.

Whatever brought you here, take a breath. This article explains what the letter may mean, what you can do next, and what an OT does and does not decide.

What might the letter say?

TMR may write about a change to your licence for health reasons. The options TMR describes include suspending your licence with the intent to cancel it, changing your licence class, or changing your licence conditions.

The letter must tell you three things: the date TMR will change your licence, the reason for the decision, and how you can have the decision reviewed. Read all three before you do anything else.

Does the OT cancel my licence?

No. The OT does not decide. The OT writes a report on what was observed and sends it to your doctor. Your doctor submits an updated Medical Certificate for Drivers to TMR. TMR decides what happens to your licence.

That does not mean the report is unimportant. It is one of the things TMR may rely on. We write it to be accurate and fair, with what went well as well as what did not.

What can I do if I receive a letter?

TMR’s advice is practical. To challenge a decision, you need a new fitness-to-drive medical assessment from your doctor. Take the letter to your doctor. The doctor completes a new Medical Certificate for Drivers.

You then give it to TMR. You can do this in person at a transport service centre, by email or by post. Our guide to the Medical Certificate for Drivers explains what the form is.

Be aware that the letter sets dates. Do not leave it in a drawer. If you are unsure about a date or about your options, call TMR or ask your doctor at once.

Where does an OT driving assessment fit?

Sometimes a doctor wants more information before they can complete a new certificate. In that case they may refer you for a practical assessment with an OT. The OT looks at how your condition affects driving, on and off the road. Our post on what happens after your OT driving assessment explains who receives the report and what you are told on the day.

An assessment is not always the answer. If the medical evidence is already clear, your doctor may complete the certificate without one.

What if the answer is that I should stop driving?

We will say this plainly. For some people, stopping driving is the result. It is a loss, and it is fine to feel that.

Some things may help.

• Talk to your doctor about what comes next and whether and when it would make sense to look at your driving again. Function can change over time, and your doctor is the right person to guide that.

• Plan how you will get around before you need to. Our guide to getting around the Gold Coast without driving covers public transport, concessions and other options.

• If you are a family member reading this, our guide to helping a parent stop driving may help.

What if I keep driving after a suspension or cancellation?

Do not. Driving while your licence is suspended or cancelled is not allowed. It also puts you and others at risk, which is the reason the decision was made. If you are unsure whether your licence is currently valid, check with TMR before you drive.

What can I do before it gets to this point?

The best time to act is early. If you or your family have noticed changes, talk to your doctor and consider an assessment before TMR needs to step in. Our post on how do you know when it is time to get your driving checked lists what to look for. Our guide to reporting a medical condition to Queensland Transport explains your duty to report.

Ready to book an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast? Steer Driving is a mobile assessment service covering the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Whether you already have a referral or you’re just getting started, get in touch and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

This article was written by Elise, an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist and driver assessor. Elise is the founder of Steer Driving, a mobile OT driving assessment practice.