ARCHIVED - Plans to reduce driving licence validity for over 65s in Spain
People over the age of 65 in Spain currently have to renew their licence every five years
With countless British expats in Spain still feeling the sting of no longer being permitted to drive on a UK licence since the authorities failed to reach an agreement on an extension earlier this month, the DGT has revealed some more unwelcome news: Traffic officials are considering reducing the validity period of Spanish driving licences for people over the age of 65.
More than four million drivers in Spain are in this age group, which represents more than 15% of all motorists. Currently, driving licences have to be renewed every five years and this period is shortened to two years when a person reaches the age of 70. However, depending on the health of the driver or in the case of any debilitating medical conditions, this can be reduced further, to as often as every 12 months.
This could all be about to change however, as the DGT is examining the possibility of forcing older people to renew their licence within a shorter time span, given the fact that “30% of those killed in traffic accidents in the European Union are over 65 years of age. A figure that is repeated in all countries and that reaches 50% when we talk about deceased pedestrians or cyclists.
“In Spain in 2019, 28% of those killed in traffic accidents were over 65 years of age. These figures are going to worsen if we do nothing, due to the aging of the population,” explained the deputy director of Education and Road Training of the DGT, María José Aparicio.
Although there is no maximum age limit for drivers in Spain, older motorists do have to undergo tests each time they renew their licences to ensure that they are capable of driving safely. Now, the Director General of Traffic, Pere Navarro, has confirmed that both the validity period of licences and these qualifying medical tests will be reviewed this year.
“We know that in the case of people of a certain age we will have to reduce them. We must protect the elderly, but always promoting their mobility, safety and freedom”, he concluded.
Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates
Image: Archive
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox
Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)
OR
you can sign up to our FREE weekly roundup!
Read some of our recent bulletins:
25% Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
(List price 3 months 12 Bulletins)
Read more stories from around Spain:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
