NTC seeks stronger health screening

The National Transport Commission (NTC) has launched a public consultation on new health screening options for commercial vehicle drivers, following rising concerns about undiagnosed conditions contributing to road crashes. 

The move follows a request by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, prompted by the ACT Chief Coroner’s investigation into a fatal accident in 2018 involving a driver with undiagnosed sleep apnoea. 

The NTC’s discussion paper focuses on three high-risk conditions: cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep disorders.  

Research shows commercial drivers are more likely to suffer from all three than the general population – often without knowing it.  

According to Monash University’s Driving Health study, nearly a third of surveyed truck drivers had three or more chronic medical conditions – four times the national average. The risk of a crash nearly doubles for drivers in that category. 

“Incidents like this highlight how undiagnosed health conditions can severely impact road safety, and the safety of heavy vehicle drivers,” said NTC Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, Michael Hopkins. 

Heavy vehicle drivers also face systemic health barriers, such as long hours, poor diet, social isolation and limited access to medical services while on the road. Obstructive sleep apnoea, for example, is reported by 13.4 per cent of truck drivers, while 8.2 per cent report having diabetes. 

The NTC paper outlines three policy directions: 

• Option A: Retain the status quo, relying on discretion of medical professionals 
• Option B: Improve current guidance, including updated forms and driver education 
• Options 1C–3C: Introduce prescribed screening protocols using nationally recognised tools like the Australian CVD Risk Calculator, AUSDRISK, and STOP-Bang questionnaire, without changing current licensing criteria 

The proposal is meant to mirror the more rigorous screening already in place for rail safety workers and public passenger drivers in some states. 

In Australia, the road freight sector includes nearly 60,000 businesses and contributes $164 billion to GDP. More than two million Australians hold heavy vehicle licences, but only around 220,000 work as professional drivers. 

Despite a drop in fatal crashes over the last three years, incident rates involving heavy vehicles are on the rise, up 27 per cent between 2022 and 2023, according to the National Truck Accident Research Centre. 

“Drivers are at the heart of our transport system… Their safety should be at the forefront, and their health is a big part of that,” Hopkins said. 

Submissions are open until Friday 9 May 2025. To view the paper or have your say, visit ntc.gov.au.  

Recommendations will inform the next review of the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards, due later this year.