Success against age discrimination: no health exams for seniors!

Success against age discrimination: no health exams for seniors!

Spanien, Europa - On March 25, 2025, the EU continues to discuss the regulations for the suitability of older drivers. A central topic in the ongoing talks is the proposal of the EU Commission to introduce mandatory health tests for older drivers. However, this proposal was rejected by the 27 member states more than a year ago and cannot be found in the last agreement between the European Parliament and the member states. In this context, the decision is considered a significant step against age discrimination. Senior Citizens' Association Ingrid Korosec describes the rejection of the mandatory tests as a confirmation of individual driving suitability, which in her opinion depends on the state of health and not on age.

Korosec also emphasizes that the government program clearly states that there should be no mandatory driving license controls only for older people. Instead, the personal responsibility of the drivers should be strengthened and the support for self -assessment is to be promoted. The results of the debate about EU driving license controls correspond to the goals of the current coalition paper, which calls for a differentiated view of driving behavior.

regulations on the suitability for driving in the EU

In Spain, on the other hand, it is necessary that the driver's license is extended every ten years, with an extension required every five years from 65 years. Health tests are also intended here that include blood pressure, lung function, vision and hearing as well as psychological and behavioral questions. These differences in the national regulations illustrate the variety of approaches within the EU to grant traffic safety.

goals and perspectives of traffic safety

The EU pursues the ambitious goal of no more roaddresses by 2050 with the "Vision Zero" initiative. As part of this, the current draft also includes speed limits and night driving bans for novice drivers and a new driving test after the trial period. While these measures are discussed in the general public, the member states are faced with the challenge of finding a balanced regulation that respects both security on the streets and the rights of older road users.

The legal framework is with the EU countries, which means that EU citizens have to renew their driving license every 15 years at the latest. However, the specific conditions are handled very differently, which continues to make the implementation of the proposals complicated. Experts consider an introduction of new regulations for seniors in the coming years to be likely, even if the resistance to discrimination perspectives remains.