Drivers over 65 face new rule, EU shortens their license validity

The EU introduces digital driving licenses and the possibility of a shortened term for older drivers.

It is expected that each EU member state will decide independently whether and how to implement the new provision on the shorter duration of driving licenses for older drivers, reports the Telegraph.

The European Parliament has approved amendments to the directives relating to driving licenses, which introduce a number of innovations.

Among the most important is the introduction of a digital license, which will become standard in the EU and which drivers will be able to have on their smartphones.

Member states will have five and a half years to introduce digital licences, while drivers will still be able to request a physical version if they wish.

One of the most controversial changes concerns the possibility for countries to introduce a shorter validity period for driving licenses for people over 65.

In addition to existing medical examinations in some countries, this measure would represent an additional burden on the elderly population.

The AGE Europe Platform, an organization that brings together older people's rights associations from across the EU, reacted to this decision.

They warned that automatically shortening the validity of a license, without an individual assessment of driving skills, could constitute a form of age discrimination.

"Such measures are not based on scientific evidence that would justify an automatic restriction. Instead, an individual assessment of driving ability is necessary, regardless of age," AGE Europe said.

They remember that many senior citizens still drive responsibly and safely, and that unjustified restrictions can negatively impact their mobility, independence, and quality of life.

However, statistics show that older drivers are involved in a large number of road accidents.

During the first seven months of 2024, people over the age of 65 caused 2,688 traffic accidents, in which 779 people were injured and 24 people from this age group lost their lives. /Telegraph/