Pensioners without medical checks like elsewhere in Europe: Germany wants to crack down on driving licences

My grandfather is 76 years old and still drives a car regularly. He’s a professional driver, and he lives in a rural area and needs to get to town almost every day by car. However, I notice myself that he often makes mistakes in his inattention. For his own safety, I would be happy if he does not renew his licence at his next medical examination, which is in a year’s time. He won’t stop driving himself. In Germany, there are no rules about driving for the elderly. But given the accident statistics, the state is considering a change.

Elderly drivers are often at fault in accidents in Germany. Statistics show that people over 75 are at a significantly high risk of an accident; these drivers account for up to 77% of car accidents. However, the country currently has no rules for regular medical check-ups and driving licences do not even have an expiry date. However, there has long been talk of a change.

Following the example of other countries

In the Czech Republic, you have to get a new licence every 10 years. From the age of 70, you also need to have regular medical check-ups every two years to have a doctor assess your fitness to drive. In Switzerland, drivers must have a check-up every two years from the age of 75. In Italy, drivers must renew their licences every five years at the age of 50. Germany does not yet have a similar law.

Although the country’s government has proposed several times to address the situation, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing has already rejected the idea. “We cannot replace people’s individual responsibility with state regulations,” he let slip. But transport experts see it differently, looking mainly at statistics. And in my opinion, they are not the only ones. It must be clear to everyone that older people should be judged on whether they are still able to drive safely.

Safety decreases with age

Drivers over 70 are responsible for up to two-thirds of accidents. This figure rises to three-quarters for those over 75. The German Technical Inspection Association has acknowledged several times in the past that the ability to drive safely declines with age and that the situation should therefore be addressed. In addition, more than 80% of respondents, who were mainly drivers of all ages but also citizens without a driving licence, agreed with this statement.

The Union is therefore now asking the Government to consider whether it would be appropriate to introduce checks on the driving ability of older people. “During these check-ups, participants would receive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses, suggestions for improvement and information on new traffic regulations,” explains Joachim Bühler, head of the TÜV. However, he stressed that this was more of a way of satisfying everyone: it would not be a check that would take away people’s licence, but rather help older people to stay in tune with the rules of the road.

At the moment, even pensioners themselves agree with this proposal. However, it is still uncertain whether the check will actually be introduced. It is possible that in the future Germany will tighten up the rules overall and eventually introduce medical checks similar to those in other countries.