Japan introducing new licence renewal rules for elderly drivers

Japan is planning to introduce new rules for elderly drivers. The scheme is intended to boost safety for older drivers aged 75 or more. There has been concern that with an ageing population, there will be an increased risk from elderly drivers with inadequate skills.
June 15, 2015 Read time: 1 min

Japan is planning to introduce new rules for elderly drivers.

The scheme is intended to boost safety for older drivers aged 75 or more. There has been concern that with an ageing population, there will be an increased risk from elderly drivers with inadequate skills. Drivers aged 75 or more will have to renew their driving licences should they become involved in a crash. They will also have to undertake tests to determine their cognitive abilities or whether they are suffering the onset of dementia. People failing the tests will lose their driving licence. At present drivers aged 75 or more are required to renew their licences every three years.

Statistically elderly drivers are not involved in a significantly large number of crashes.

The elderly tend to drive only comparatively short distances and are less likely to speed. Young novice drivers remain those most at risk of being involved in a crash.

However with average lifespans increasing, there are a growing number of older drivers using the road network in many developed countries, and Japan in particular.

Related Content

  • Distracted driving report from European nations
    April 16, 2018
    There are now calls from right across Europe to increase education, enforcement and penalties for distracted driving. Mike Woof reports Surveys across Europe have revealed worrying attitudes to the use of mobile devices while driving, according to a report by the European Transport and Safety Commission (ETSC). Campaigners are calling for better enforcement, higher penalties, technological solutions and education to raise awareness of the risks. A survey in the Czech Republic found that 36% of drivers a
    Read More
  • Transport under the spotlight
    February 13, 2012
    A round-up of some of the major transport-related meetings that have been held in Europe. Compiled by Patrick Smith. Europe has hosted a number of annual events over the last few weeks, where important matters of transport were discussed, reports produced, and decisions taken. ASECAP (the European Association of Tolled Motorways, Bridges and Tunnels Infrastructures Operators); International Transport Forum (ITF); Arena (TRA); International Road Federation (IRF), and the European Construction Industry Federa
    Read More
  • FTA Ireland wants tougher roadside enforcement to match new traffic laws
    February 21, 2014
    FTA Ireland (FTAI) says it would like to see proposed new national traffic laws matched with an increased resource for roadside enforcement by the Gardai. The response from the FTAI follows the announcement of The Road Traffic No.2 Act 2013, (introduced to improve safety levels on Irish roads) outlined by minister for transport, tourism and sport Leo Varadkar. The new traffic laws will include roadside impairment tests for drug driving; higher penalty points for speeding, mobile phone use and not wearin
    Read More
  • US labour shortage: an ever-growing problem
    May 31, 2022
    It’s a tight labour market that is hurting the construction sector. But there are ways to ensure a company has the best possible recruitment drive, according to the AEM, Association of Equipment Manufacturers*.
    Read More

Highlighted Content