Older drivers, family members and caregivers' views on the NSW age-based licensing; a mixed-methods approach

BackgroundNew South Wales (NSW) Australia has long standing age-based licensing, however, little is known about how older drivers and their families and caregivers perceive and navigate this system. This study addresses this gap as part of a comprehensive evaluation examining the impact of the 2008 reforms to aged-based licensing on older drivers, families and caregivers. MethodThis is a mixed methods study reporting data from focus group discussions (FGDs) and community-wide quantitative surveys. All FGD transcripts were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content was inductively coded to create preliminary themes by two independent coders, then deductively coded using the Integrative Public-Policy Acceptance Framework as a guide to create additional themes. The surveys were conducted over the phone with target of 600 older drivers and 600 family members and caregivers in NSW capturing their opinions and experiences with the licensing system. ResultsFocus groups were conducted with older drivers (n=34) and families and caregivers (n=15) living in NSW, 608 older drivers and 601 family members completed the phone survey. The older drivers, families and caregivers in both the focus groups and the surveys expressed support for the age-based licensing system and viewed the medical and driving assessments as vital components to complete as they can keep older drivers safe on the roads. However, in the focus groups, the older drivers engagement with modified licences was low and families and caregivers wanted more support from general practitioners and the licensing authority. The surveys highlighted the need for better communication between older drivers and the licensing authority. Further, families and caregivers responding to the surveys believed the assessments were more stressful for older drivers than the drivers did themselves. ConclusionsResults highlight the need to improve communication of the licensing regulations to older drivers and families and caregivers to ensure continued support and confidence in navigating the system.