After reading the article, we invite you to share your opinion in the comments. As we age, our physical and cognitive abilities deteriorate. This also causes changes in our driving habits, which can affect our behavior on the road and become potentially dangerous. Driving skills tests are not currently mandatory, but they are strongly recommended so that older people can retain their driver’s licenses.
Residents of La Rochelle were shocked. On Wednesday, June 5, a traffic accident occurred at an intersection near the city center, involving a group of 12 children from a recreational center and an 83-year-old driver. During a school outing, the approximately 80-year-old woman ran over the children with her car, causing seven injuries, three of them serious. A local resident reported that she was coming from the wrong direction. A judicial investigation has been launched.
Young people and older adults are often at the center of debates about driving licenses. Although the government approved lowering the minimum age to 17 last June, the issue of the driving ability of people over 75 has been raised several times, especially after these types of accidents. However, for the moment there are no plans to introduce mandatory driving ability tests for older people. In July, a bill was introduced that would require periodic medical examinations so that older people could retain their driver’s licenses for life. However, three months later, Clément Beaune, the Minister of Transport, clearly rejected this proposal and said “no” to an “expired driving license.”
Drivers over 65 risk losing their license: here is the new measure that is causing concern
According to road safety information, people over 75 have the same probability of being involved in traffic accidents as those aged between 18 and 24. Over time, we lose our mobility, vision, and hearing, and our perception of distance changes. In addition, taking medications makes it more difficult to be in a fit condition to drive. Remember that a Class B driver’s license is valid for life and can only be revoked in cases of infractions or offenses.
Is there then a legal regulation in France to check the driving ability of older people? No, the Traffic Law does not provide for any mandatory driving test or any medical assessment for older drivers, either on a one-off or periodic basis. There are no specific rules based on age, confirms Bruno Garancher, president of the Association of National Training Institutes (Unedic), with the exception of vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.
However, there is the possibility of undergoing voluntary driving tests. If people over 75 feel that they are having difficulties driving, they can consult their general practitioner or an authorized doctor who will conduct sensory, psychomotor, and cognitive tests. The specialist, who can also be contacted by close family members, decides on the driver’s fitness to drive during the day only, and gives advice on medication use or physical ailments, etc.
Road safety recommends refresher courses
Road safety also recommends taking occasional refresher courses if the driver’s license was obtained a long time ago. The goal is to familiarize oneself with new traffic regulations and to provide the specialist with the opportunity to evaluate one’s driving technique.
Driver’s license: a new blow for senior drivers
Driving license: a new setback for senior drivers. Awareness campaigns can also be very useful. Organizations offer workshops, meetings, and other regional events aimed at raising awareness about the main dangers of traffic and reminding people of the basic traffic rules. These activities also include advice on modifying or adapting the vehicle, for example, switching from a manual to an automatic transmission. Driving schools also offer special courses for older people to ensure more detailed support from the driving instructor.
