The decision about whether it is safe to continue driving
Public transport
Walking and cycling as healthy ways to travel
Travelling with friends, neighbours and family
Community transport
Motorised mobility devices – "scooters" and "buggies"
Help and further advice on getting around
Services you can access from home
Learning to use the internet to save on time and travel
Unlike other states, Victoria’s licensing policy is based on a person’s ability to drive safely. There is no retesting for licence renewal based on the age of a driver. People can drive to any age as long as they are safe to do so.
The decision to reduce or stop driving is often made by the driver. This may be because driving is becoming difficult or stressful, or following a recommendation from a family member, friend or doctor. Drivers of any age can develop medical conditions that affect their ability to drive safely.
These conditions must be reported to VicRoads. Doctors can advise on which conditions need to be reported. Victoria’s licensing system also relies on the community to contact VicRoads about drivers who are considered to be unsafe. In these cases medical reports are requested and driving retests may be conducted. This process may result in the licence being suspended or cancelled.
Discovering that you can no longer drive can lead to feelings of loss of freedom and independence. It may also be frustrating and difficult to imagine life without driving. What is important is that you don’t allow the quality of your life to suffer. Explore the full range of options available to you and plan for how you can continue to socialise, maintain hobbies and interests, pay bills and shop.
There may be more than one solution to your transport needs. You may need to use different options depending on where you are going and when you are travelling. Use the information here to help you plan your trip. Help and advice is available from the organisations listed on this page.
If you decide to sell your car, you can use the money to fund other ways of travelling, such as public transport. Here are a few tips to help.
- Before you sell, check the value of your car using the classified ads for cars in the daily newspapers as a guide. You can also look at local online car selling websites on the internet or obtain a free copy of the RACV’s booklet A Guide to Owning and Selling A Car.
- To ensure you get a fair price for your car consult a trusted family member or friend before making any major decisions.
- Depending on the value of your car you may decide to give it away to a relative or a friend who may need a vehicle.
- Whatever you decide to do with your car, be sure to notify VicRoads if you have transferred ownership. You can get a Transfer of Ownership form from your local VicRoads Customer Service Centre or from the Vehicle Registration Forms page.
- If you decide to keep your car for others to use, even occasionally, it still needs to be registered and insured.
- Remember to calculate the costs of keeping your car including servicing, insurance and registration. These can add up to be significant expenses.
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Victoria has a modern public transport system of trains, trams and buses that can get you to most places efficiently. In metropolitan Melbourne a single ticket – Metcard – can take you anywhere you want to go on a train, tram or bus, or any combination of these. Many people use public transport every day instead of a car because it is quicker, easier and a lot cheaper than driving and parking a car. If you have never travelled on public transport or it has been a while since you’ve used it, plan a trip first with a friend or family member who is familiar with the system.
For public transport information, help planning your trip or timetable and route information Tel:
131 638.
For TTY facility Tel:
9619 2727. You can also get public transport information online at:
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au. Use Metlink’s Journey Planner on the website to plan a journey on public transport using trains, trams and buses. The Journey Planner provides you with a range of travel options and related timetables.
Metcards that can be used to travel by train, tram and bus are available at:
- Retail outlets (e.g. newsagents) showing a blue Metcard sign
- Customer service centres at Premium Stations
- Metcard ticket machines at train stations, on trams and on buses (limited selection). Please note, machines on trams only accept coins. The larger machines at stations do accept notes but will only give up to $10 in change.
- The MetShop at Melbourne Town Hall, corner Swanston and Little Collins streets
- The Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square
- The Metcard Helpline Tel: 1800 653 313
- Visit the website: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Many people are eligible for a discount (concession fare) to travel on public transport. For more information about concession fares on public transport contact Metlink on Tel: 131 638 or visit the website: www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
If you are a holder of a Victorian Seniors Card, you can register for a Seniors Sunday Pass that entitles you to free metropolitan travel on trains, trams and buses on Sundays. You can have your application processed and your pass issued on the spot at the MetShop and at all Premium Stations between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday. You can also apply online at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Permanent residents who are not working full-time and are 60 years of age or more are eligible for a Seniors Card. This entitles you to travel on a concession fare on public transport and you will receive a discount on V/Line off-peak travel in rural Victoria. To apply for a Seniors Card Tel: 1300 797 210 or visit the website: www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au
If you are a pensioner you will already have this card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. The card entitles you to a concession fare on public transport services throughout Australia.
This card is issued by Centrelink and entitles the holder to concession fares on public transport services within Victoria, and interstate legs of some V/Line services. For more details contact Centrelink, Tel: 131 021 or visit the website: www.centrelink.gov.auA Companion Card entitles a companion to travel with you free of charge throughout Victoria, if you have a significant, permanent disability, which requires attendant care support. For more information or an application form, Tel: 1800 650 611 or visit the website: www.companioncard.org.au
These passes are issued to people who have severe vision impairment. The pass entitles people to free travel on public transport throughout Victoria. For more information or an application form contact the Metlink Central Pass Office, Tel: 9619 1159.
Victorian veterans and war widows who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold or White card are eligible to travel on a concession fare on public transport. Holders of the following passes are eligible for free travel on public transport in Victoria:
- War Veterans’ Travel Pass (code WV)
- TPI War Veterans’ Travel Pass (code TV)
- World War One Veterans’ Travel Pass (code W1).
These passes are being replaced by the Victorian Public Transport Free Travel Pass. Medallion holders can exchange their current medallion for a new pass at the Metlink Central Pass Office. For more information, Tel: 9619 1159 or visit the website: 9619 1650.
While taxis are usually more expensive than other forms of public transport they will deliver you directly to where you need to go. Regularly using a taxi can be cheaper than running a car. Some taxi services have wheelchair accessible taxis available. If you use a wheelchair or motorised mobility device, ask about these facilities when you phone to book a taxi.
Victoria’s Multi Purpose Taxi Program is designed to assist people who have a severe disability that prevents them travelling independently on public transport. Applicants normally must already hold an approved disability card. The taxi subsidy is 50 per cent of the metered fare with a limit of $30 per trip and an annual limit of $1,000. Further information, Tel: 9320 4360 or for country callers, Tel: 1800 638 802.
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Walking is a form of moderate physical activity that offers real health benefits as it can:
- keep you active, fit and healthy
- help you to control your weight
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Moderate physical activity, such as walking, reduces the likelihood of some conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Think about how you can mix walking with other means of transport, such as walking to the bus, tram stop or railway station.
Pedestrians have to share the road with vehicles so it is important to take care when crossing roads. Plan where you will walk and always choose to cross roads at the safest places:
- Traffic lights (watch for turning vehicles).
- Pedestrian crossings.
- Children’s crossings only when “Children Crossing” flags are displayed.
If you have to cross the road at other places:
- Walk straight across the road – don’t jay-walk.
- Keep checking in both directions to make sure the way is clear.
- Do not cross the road from between parked cars as drivers may not see you.
- Try not to cross near trees or bushes because drivers may not see you.
- Avoid crossing near a bend or crest in the road. Give yourself a good chance to see vehicles coming from both directions.
- Avoid crossing roads near roundabouts, unless a pedestrian crossing is provided.
- If there is no pedestrian crossing, pedestrians must give way to vehicles.
If you are walking at night or on dark days it is important to be easily seen, so:
- Wear light and bright coloured clothing.
- Wear something reflective and carry a light at night.
- Cross the road near street lights.
At night or especially in unfamiliar areas it is a good idea to walk with a companion. There are several programs that can assist you to get walking more. Programs such as VICFIT’s Walk and Talk and TravelSmart programs run by some councils provide interesting ways to support and encourage walking.
If you have cycled before you could consider cycling as a way of getting around. If you are interested in taking up cycling you can begin by joining a local club or getting into programs offered by your local council.
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People are often reluctant to ask for help, but this can be one of the easiest ways to get around if you do not drive. Join friends, neighbours or family on a regular trip they make, such as going to the supermarket. Your friends and family may enjoy your company! To show your appreciation, you may consider providing something useful in exchange for a lift, for example, some vegetables or flowers from your garden, home cooking or child minding.
Many Victorian councils and local organisations have community transport schemes using buses or cars providing low-cost flexible transport. These schemes can help you get to medical or hospital appointments or to social activities and events.
Your local council is the best starting point to find out more about community transport options available in your area. For more information contact the community transport officer at your local council.
If you are unable to walk or have difficulty in walking then you may like to consider using a motorised mobility device. Make sure you seek advice from your doctor and ask for a referral to an occupational therapist (OT). An OT will be able to assess your ability to use mobility devices, such as three and four wheeled models. Only people who cannot walk or who have difficulty walking may legally use one of these devices. The Independent Living Centre provides free, independent advice for choosing a mobility device, Tel: 9362 6111.
A comprehensive guide to the choice and use of these devices is available from the guide for electric wheelchairs and other motorised mobility devices.
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Seniors Information Victoria is the key information source and a one stop hotline. Visit the office at 247 Flinders Lane or Tel: 1300 135 090 or visit the website: www.cotavic.org.au/seniors
This is a Commonwealth Government Service that provides a single point from which you can get information about a wide range of services that may assist you in selecting transport options. To find your nearest CareLink offices or for further information, Tel: 1800 052 222.
Deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired callers may call through the National Relay Service using their modem or TTY, Tel: 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 052 222.
The Travellers Aid Society provides a useful service for people who find it difficult to get around Melbourne. They can provide advice about where to find services and help with meals, drinks and toilets. Their facilities include a hoist and adult change table. They also have a loan / hire scheme for wheelchairs and motorised mobility devices. You can ring ahead to book one. Visit the website: www.travellersaid.org.au
They have facilities in the city at:
- Level 2, 169 Swanston Street, Melbourne. Tel: 9654 2600.
- Southern Cross Railway Station in Spencer Street, Melbourne. Tel: 9670 2873.
COTA provides information, support, activities and education programs for older people. COTA can be found at:
247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
4th Floor, Block Arcade, 98 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
For more information, Tel: 9654 4443 or Freecall: 1800 136 381 or visit the website: www.cotavic.org.au
The Centre is designed to improve access for everyone in the heart of Melbourne. It loans equipment and provides services for older people, and for persons with permanent or temporary disabilities. The Centre is located on the first floor of the Federation Square Car Park that provides accessible car parking or a drop-off point. It is at ground level adjacent to the ArtPlay playground.
Services designed to help people get around Melbourne, include:
- equipment for hire such as motorised and manual wheelchairs, motorised mobility devices, walking frames, crutches and canes for the vision impaired
- information for people with mobility and sensory disabilities
- information about city attractions, events, facilities
- tea, coffee and refreshment facilities, and toilets
- battery re-charge facilities for motorised mobility devices.
The Centre can be contacted on Tel: 9650 6499, Freecall: 1800 735 266 or TTY Tel: 9650 9316 or visit the website: www.accessmelbourne.vic.gov.au
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Many supermarkets offer home delivery services at a modest cost. Some greengrocers, delicatessens and independent grocers also home deliver. A delivery service for medication is available from some pharmacies. Ask around in your local area. You can also do your grocery shopping online with some of the larger supermarkets, such as Coles and Safeway/Woolworths.
There are many schemes operating where a volunteer or worker from your local council or other agency can deliver meals to your home. These may be ready to eat hot meals or preprepared meals. For further information contact your local council. A list of councils is available at the Department of Planning and Community Development website. Find your local council.
Most banks offer both phone and internet banking. This allows you to do most of your banking from home, including moving funds between accounts, setting up transfers and making payments for bills. Contact your bank for details on how to set up these facilities.
There are various options for paying your bills. These options are listed on the back of most bills in the ‘How to Pay Section’. For instance:
- Paying by mail – sending a cheque or credit card payment by post.
- BPAY and Post Bill Pay – paying bills by phone or over the Internet.
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Information and access to many services is now provided through the internet. Using the internet can save on time and travel.
If you don’t have access to the internet, or would like to learn more about it, contact some of the following organisations for details on how they can help. Most organisations offer free or low-cost services and courses.
If you can access the internet or have someone who can help, the Victorian Government Public Internet Access Program website provides a directory of information. Visit: www.internet-access.vic.gov.au
Neighbourhood Houses and Community Learning Centres
Contact the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Community Learning Centres (ANHLC) for information about how to find the centre closest to you that offers courses in using the internet, Tel: 9654 1104 or visit the website: www.anhlc.asn.au
All libraries in Victoria provide access to the internet and most will help beginners to get started. Contact your local council for details of where your nearest library.
COTA offers short courses on how to use the internet. For more information, Tel: 9654 4443 or Freecall: 1800 136 381, or visit the website: www.cotavic.org.au
U3A provides courses run by older people for older people. For more information, Tel: 9670 3659 or visit the website: www.u3aonline.org
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