Older drivers will have to visit the doctor more often. This is what the EU wants.

The European Union is implementing a directive on senior drivers. Under its provisions, older people will be required to undergo regular medical examinations if they wish to drive. It is not yet clear how the Polish government will approach implementing these regulations.

The topic has been discussed in the EU for months. Research indicates that both the youngest and oldest drivers are most often responsible for road collisions and accidents. The EU has long been analyzing this issue, and current proposals focus primarily on seniors. Ultimately, Directive 8353/1/25 REV 1 was adopted.

New regulations allow member states to shorten the validity period of driving licenses for drivers over 65. In practice, this means more frequent medical examinations and health checks for seniors.

Renewing a driver's license will require proof that the driver continues to meet minimum standards of physical and mental fitness. Seniors may be required not only to undergo medical examinations but also—in some countries—to undergo fitness tests or refresher courses.

The directive gives EU countries the option of introducing mandatory medical examinations or so-called health self-assessments when renewing a driving license. Every driver will have to declare whether their health allows them to safely drive. However, older people will be subject to more frequent inspections and shorter validity periods – for example, a driving license will be valid for five or ten years instead of 15 after reaching a certain age, usually 65–70.

The new regulations do not automatically revoke driving licenses after the age of 65. Each case will be assessed individually, taking into account the driver's health, medical history, and driving behavior.

Member States will be able to respond to a driver's deteriorating health, for example, by requiring the reporting of illnesses that may compromise driving safety. A doctor who determines that a driver should not drive will be able to request a suspension of their driving license.

The aim of these changes is not to discriminate against seniors, but to improve road safety. The European Parliament emphasizes that individual transport is important for older people, especially in rural areas, but that with age, the risk of impaired vision, reflexes, and coordination increases. Regular checkups are intended to enable early detection of health problems, minimizing the risk to both drivers and other road users.

The directive does not impose a strict age limit or testing schedule – that's a matter for individual member states. Poland will have to determine the age at which senior drivers will be required to undergo testing and how often.