New Driver License Rules Target Over-70 Population
Taiwan has lowered the mandatory driver's license renewal age from 75 to 70 to curb rising traffic accidents in an aging society. The new policy requires over one million drivers to undergo physical examinations. To assist rural residents with limited public transit access, a southern Taiwan motor vehicle office has also deployed temporary service desks, ensuring the process remains accessible while prioritizing road safety.
After multiple high-profile road accidents, Taiwan’s government is tightening regulations for older adult drivers.
From June, drivers here will need to renew their licenses at age 70, instead of 75 – and that will mean physical tests and a three-hour road safety workshop.
71-year-old singer Shen Wen-cheng set an example by taking his on launch day.
Shen Wen-cheng (SINGER):
"Some older adults are afraid the law is designed to restrict us from driving or that they would need to retake the tests many times. I said to them, 'No, it’s not like that. It’s just a chance for you to take a free physical test.'"
It comes amid a rise in injuries and deaths on Taiwan’s roads over the past 17 years. A period that has also seen the country’s population of older adults grow.
Under the new rules, people 70 to 74 will need to take a physical test, while those over 75 need to take an additional cognitive test and come back every three years.
Authorities say the measures are meant to protect drivers of all ages and give older ones a better understanding of their physical condition.
Chen Yen-po (TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY):
"Hearing, eyesight, mobility and height. We check all these things in the physical test."
In Pingtung, over 400 elderly drivers have come to renew their licenses after the rules came into force.
Authorities here say over 20 thousand residents in this rural southern town depend on cars and motorcycles to get around, as there’s little public transportation.
To avoid making them travel long distances, the motor vehicle office has opened a temporary service desk at the township office.
Feng Ching-man (DIRECTOR, KAOHSIUNG MOTOR VEHICLE OFFICE):
"We also offer license renewals at our office but we don’t have control of daily visitors. Our service capacity might be overwhelmed. That’s why we’re stationed here."
Taiwan’s new driving regulations are expected to affect a million people. And, as the country becomes super-aged, local officials are working to make the new process more accessible and keep everyone safe behind the wheel.
