Have you ever questioned if elderly drivers are still capable of operating a motor vehicle? Above all, should they be obliged to take exams, in the same way as retaking an exam would be required? Age isn’t everything, that much is certain. However, some indicators should encourage prudence.
Driving after 75: an advantage or a risk?
The Road Safety Authority reports that drivers over 75 are involved in accidents as frequently as young people between the ages of 18 and 24. This may seem like an incredible parallel, but it is clear that as people age, their vision, reflexes, hearing, and attention can deteriorate. This accident occurred in La Rochelle, where an 83-year-old driver struck a group of children riding bicycles, injuring multiple people.
The answer is surprisingly straightforward: no.
The B license in France is good for life, unless there has been a major infraction or a court ruling. To drive a private vehicle, no age-required medical examination or checkup is required.
France has opted to emphasize personal accountability, in contrast to nations such as Italy or Germany that require health examinations after the ages of 70 or 75.
A Clever Fix
An additional good option is refresher courses, which give seniors the chance to review the Highway Code, better understand updated information (like roundabouts or driving assistants), and receive positive feedback on their driving. Senior drivers can also request an evaluation of their abilities from their doctor or a licensed physician, who can look at their eyesight, reflexes, coordination, and even suggest that they drive only during the day or avoid certain dangerous situations.
Prepare your driving and your car: a winning strategy As we age, moving from a manual to an automatic transmission can make driving remarkably easier. To raise awareness of these useful changes among older drivers, special workshops are being held all over France. Additionally, some driving schools offer senior-specific courses with individualized supervision and comforting support.
What if we stopped blaming each other?
It is preferable to rationally promote senior drivers rather than stigmatize them. They frequently have decades of experience without any incidents, after all. Although their experiences are priceless, a little assistance in keeping current can make a huge difference.