NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is introducing a digital version of the Medical certificate for driver licence (DL9) form. Used more than 160,000 times each year, the DL9 helps health professionals assess a person's medical fitness to drive.
Most drivers will no longer need to carry DL9 paper forms between their health professional and licensing agent, as this will be done electronically (the only exceptions where DL9 paper forms are required are for learner licences and overseas conversions). Drivers will still be able to request a printed copy of the DL9 if they wish.
There is nothing drivers will need to worry about with the change to the online system, the process is completed by health professionals and NZTA. They only need to make sure to take their driver licence with them when attending the medical appointment.
The new online form, available through HealthLink, which is a platform health practitioners are already familiar with, will make the process easier for health professionals while improving the experience for drivers and supporting faster, more secure connection to NZTA.
Health professionals can complete and submit the form directly through HealthLink, with patient details automatically populated and mandatory fields helping reduce incomplete applications.
The change will reduce administration, improve data quality, and make it easier to submit complete and accurate information. The online DL9 was recently piloted with GPs and a workplace health provider across New Zealand, with positive feedback about the time savings, reduced paperwork, and ease of use.
