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Helping older Canberrans keep moving — without the steering wheel.
Built on research with hundreds of older adults across the ACT, this toolkit gathers what we’ve learned into one plain-English place. It’s free, independent, and updated regularly.
Why this website exists.
Stopping driving is a big life change. The transition involves both adjusting to the prospect of stopping driving, and planning for life without driving. Research shows that with the right support, people can make this transition while keeping their independence, wellbeing, and sense of purpose intact.
This website translates that research into practical, plain-English information that supports those stopping driving, their families, and clinicians.
How we built it.
The website is the output of a research project supported by the ACT Government under the ACT Road Safety Fund (RSG2024024). It has been developed by researchers and practitioners from the Australian Catholic University who specialise in road safety and clinical psychology.
Workshops were conducted to trial the interactive learning with people who were considering or had retired from driving, and the findings from these workshops directly informed the interactive learning on this website. The website also draws on a wider body of published research in the field — you can read about both our own studies and the work we draw on, on the Research page.
Who it's for.
It’s written first for people in the ACT who are considering retirement from driving, currently retiring, or who have already retired. It’s also useful for the family members and friends who support them, and for the GPs, occupational therapists, and other health professionals they see along the way.
Free, independent, evidence-based.
This website is free to use and free of advertising. It is not sponsored by any transport provider, insurer, or product. The recommendations draw on the published research in the field and on the project team’s own expertise.
Read the research
See the studies by our team and the wider research that informs this website.
Updated regularly
Every resource link is checked monthly. Last review: July 2026.
The team.
A small research team from ACU, with input from allied health, community organisations, and Canberrans whose experiences shaped the website.
Dr Thomas McGuckian
Senior Lecturer · ACU Melbourne campus
Dr Thomas McGuckian is a senior lecturer at the Australian Catholic University (Melbourne campus) with a background in both Psychology and Exercise Science. Dr McGuckian is Deputy Director and Acting Lead of the Development and Disability over the Lifespan program of research in the Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre. Dr McGuckian has a keen interest in improving road safety and wellbeing for vulnerable road users, with a focus on user-centred, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary projects that provide tangible outcomes, and he has attracted over $2.3 million in competitive funding to complete such projects. He is involved with the road safety community as a committee member of the early career network of the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS).
ACU profile →
Dr Joanne Bennett
Senior Lecturer · ACU Strathfield campus
Dr Joanne Bennett has a PhD in Psychology and is a senior lecturer at the Australian Catholic University (Strathfield campus). Dr Bennett is an emerging leader in road safety, recognised for her innovative research and ability to lead large, multidisciplinary road safety projects focused on vulnerable road users. She was awarded the 2025 Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) Young Leaders Oration Award in recognition of her empathy and impact in road safety. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications and $2.3 million in competitive funding, Dr Bennett is deeply committed to reducing road trauma through innovative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive initiatives. She holds several leadership roles both within the ACRS, including the chair of the early career network and chair of the scientific committee for the 2026 Australasian Road Safety Conference to be held in Sydney.
ACU profile →
Dr Oscar Modesto
Senior Lecturer in Psychology · ACU Strathfield
Dr Oscar Modesto has a PhD in Psychology and is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Australian Catholic University (Strathfield campus). Dr Modesto has over 15 years of experience in clinical practice, teaching, research and program development focused on mental health and wellbeing. He has attracted competitive funding to lead and contribute to projects that translate evidence into practical, real-world outcomes, particularly for individuals navigating periods of transition and change.
His work is grounded in a strong commitment to lived experience and inclusive practice, ensuring that research and interventions are shaped by the voices and needs of the communities they aim to support. Dr Modesto is particularly interested in bridging theory and practice, applying established psychological frameworks to develop meaningful, evidence-informed approaches that enhance wellbeing across diverse populations.
ACU profile →
Mr Benjamin Weir
Clinical Psychologist & Lecturer · ACU Strathfield
Benjamin Weir is a clinical psychologist and lecturer at Australian Catholic University (Strathfield campus) with experience working across the lifespan, providing psychological assessment and support for children, adolescents, adults, and older people. He teaches developmental psychology and clinical skills at the undergraduate and post graduate levels. Ben has a particular interest in how neurodivergence (different ‘brain types’ such as ADHD, autism and learning differences) shape peoples experiences. Ben takes a respectful, person-centred approach, recognising the importance of independence, dignity, and wellbeing when supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their lives. His work is grounded in evidence-based practice and clear communication, assisting individuals and their families navigate complexity with care and confidence.
ACU profile →