Spain’s Traffic Department (DGT) has introduced new laws that will make it increasingly challenging for older people to continue driving.
The period for renewal of driving licences has been reduced from 10 years to every five years after the age of 65. After the age of 70, renewals must be made every two years.
Professional drivers over the age of 65 will have to renew licences every three years.
The medical assessors who carry out the visual and reaction tests that are required to renew licences will also have the discretion to order more frequent tests on an annual basis if they feel they are necessary.
María José Aparicio, sub-director of the DGT’s education department, said “30% of traffic fatalities in the EU are over the age of 65. In Spain in 2019, that figure was 28%. If we don’t address this issue these figures are only going to get worse, because our population is ageing.”
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