Updates to Disability Parking Scheme
24 November 2025
For the first time in 25 years, South Australia’s Disability Parking Permit (DPP) scheme has changed. These changes will help more South Australians access these permits.
The changes came into effect on Monday, 24 November 2025. This follows extensive consultation with stakeholders.
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria have expanded to:
- remove rule that public transport use must be significantly impeded
- include updated criteria for physical mobility
- accept applicants who are legally blind without having to prove a mobility impairment
- accept applicants that have a significant intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairment. This results in being unable to mobilise without the continuous support of another person.
Assessment requirements
An eligible health practitioner must complete the DPP assessment.
Eligible health practitioners vary by impairment type.
| Impairment | Health practitioner |
|---|---|
| Mobility devices and aids | A medical practitioner or specialist, or an occupational therapist. |
| Other mobility impairments | A medical practitioner or specialist, or an occupational therapist. |
| Vision impairments | A medical practitioner, or optometrist or ophthalmologist. |
| Cognitive, behavioural or neurological impairments | A medical practitioner or specialist, an occupational therapist or a psychologist. |
The applicant may qualify without further assessment if:
- legally blind
- holds a government-issued card confirming it.
Applications
The application form has been updated to reflect the new criteria.
A medical certificate of fitness must be completed when an applicant holds a current:
- driver’s licence
- learner’s permit.
A medical certificate must continue to be completed by an eligible medical practitioner or specialist.
More information
To apply for a DPP:
- visit the SA.GOV website
- call Service SA on 13 10 84.
To learn more about the changes, visit the disability parking permit webpage.