In 2024, the DGT has implemented certain requirements which will be addressed to the drivers over 65. The goal is to ensure that those who drive and are already very old know that they still have the ability to be able to get behind the wheel are issues.
The year after year increase in road accidents involving elderly drivers has led to General Directorate of Traffic to put in place stricter rules when renewing the license, which concern both regular and professional licenses.
What do these new requirements imply?
One of the most important changes is the shorter validity period of the driving license for those over sixty-five. In the case of younger drivers, they will be able to renew their license every ten years, but from the age of sixty-five they will do so every five years and even those over seventy will see the period reduced to two years.
THE higher renewal frequency has included more rigorous medical tests that will evaluate aspects such as hearing, vision and the driver’s ability to react.
More completeness
The process will now include a much more comprehensive psychophysical examination during which drivers will have to demonstrate that they remain fit to drive without compromising road safety.
All this is not only about fitness, but also driver’s cognitive abilityassessing aspects such as memory and coordination.
What happens if the conditions are not met?
The consequences of failing recognition are that you could even face cancellation of your driving license.
The DGT made it clear that there will be no exception in this regard and those who do not meet the established criteria will have their driving license revoked.
The measure aims to reduce the accident rate among older drivers, because 28% of deaths in accidents in our country They are going to belong to this group.
In addition, people over 65 who take medications that affect their ability to drive will have to report this and will see how the validity of their license will be reduced.
How can seniors renew their license?
Approved medical recognition centers are the ones that carry out the renewal process. They will offer a complete service in which. This will include carrying out medical examinations, taking a photo and sending in identification. again to the home address where the new driver resides.
For people over seventy, the advantage is that they will be exempt from paying the renewal tax, although they will still have to bear the costs.
For the DGT, it is important that this type of regulation is respected and thus guarantees that drivers above a certain age continue to drive in complete safety, both for themselves and for other users of the public road.
An understandable decision
The truth is that we are faced with a decision that traffic makes and which is logical, because each time we see how older drivers continue to drive and, although each person is different, what is verifiable is that we are losing abilities with the passage of time. over the years and this is something that needs to be controlled.
Other countries around us or in the Western sphere, in the case of those in the Northern Europe, United States or Canadahave already had this type of problem with drivers who increased the age at which they continued to drive and it is true that it is desirable to be able to carry out tests every few years to see that the conditions continue to be maintained for power to drive safely.
Ultimately it’s about trying to be a little more consistent and not having to wait for a scare or misfortune. Additionally, while drivers may be worried or inconvenienced by these tests, it all ultimately results in greater safety for them and all road users.
And what will happen in the future?
It is difficult to make estimates in this regard, but the most normal thing is that this type of examination continues to be carried out, since the average age of drivers is increasing, although it is not known what will happen when the vehicles will be autonomous and how. all this will be articulated.
