Sad News for Drivers Over 70: No Special Checks Required Anymore

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If you’ve heard rumors about new rules in Europe that would force drivers aged 70+ to give up their license or undergo mandatory medical checks—relax. That dramatic claim isn’t becoming reality. In fact, new regulations have just confirmed that older drivers won’t face any additional compulsory tests.

What’s Actually Changing?

Here’s what’s really happening:

  1. License Validity Shortened
    The EU is updating the rules: both physical and digital driver’s licenses will now expire after 15 years.

  2. Health Checks Not Mandatory for Seniors
    Previously, there was concern about a mandatory medical or vision test for drivers aged 70 and over. However, that proposal has been officially dropped from the plan.

  3. Other New Rules

    • A digital driver’s license will become an option by 2030 (stored on your smartphone!).

    • A two-year probation period for new drivers will be mandated across all EU countries.

    • Countries may still require a health check or self-evaluation to issue or renew a license—but it’s not age-specific.DIE WELT

These changes are still awaiting final approval in EU institutions and will then need to be turned into law in each country, so they will take a few years to come into force.

If you’ve heard rumors about new rules in Europe that would force drivers aged 70+ to give up their license or undergo mandatory medical checks—relax. That dramatic claim isn’t becoming reality. In fact, new regulations have just confirmed that older drivers won’t face any additional compulsory tests.

What’s Actually Changing?

Here’s what’s really happening:

  1. License Validity Shortened
    The EU is updating the rules: both physical and digital driver’s licenses will now expire after 15 years.

  2. Health Checks Not Mandatory for Seniors
    Previously, there was concern about a mandatory medical or vision test for drivers aged 70 and over. However, that proposal has been officially dropped from the plan.

  3. Other New Rules

    • A digital driver’s license will become an option by 2030 (stored on your smartphone!).

    • A two-year probation period for new drivers will be mandated across all EU countries.

    • Countries may still require a health check or self-evaluation to issue or renew a license—but it’s not age-specific.DIE WELT

These changes are still awaiting final approval in EU institutions and will then need to be turned into law in each country, so they will take a few years to come into force.

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