Europe plans to change rules for elderly drivers: what Ukrainian refugees need to know

In recent years, traffic accidents involving elderly drivers have become more frequent in the countries of the European Union. The increase in the number of accidents is explained by objective physiological changes that inevitably occur with age: deterioration of vision, hearing, reaction, coordination of movements and the ability to quickly make decisions in difficult traffic situations. As Europe’s population ages, the issue of the safety of elderly drivers has become particularly relevant. That is why, in 2025, the European Union decided to revise the current rules for admission to driving vehicles for older people, which Ukrainian refugees should know about.

New changes approved: what decisions have been made

In March 2025, after long discussions, the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a final compromise on the new directive. It should enter into force after publication, and member states will have four years to bring their legislation into line with the new rules, i.e. until 2029.

Initially, it was proposed to introduce mandatory medical examinations every five years for all drivers who have reached the age of 70. However, such a proposal caused serious criticism: opponents emphasized that the automatic limitation of human rights only because of age is a form of discrimination. In the end, it was decided not to introduce pan-European mandatory medical control.

Instead, each EU member state will be able to determine independently how to carry out medical supervision of elderly drivers. In practice, this means that countries will have the right to introduce either regular mandatory medical examinations or a system of self-assessment of health status, where the driver fills out a special declaration on his own when renewing his driver’s license.

The main changes that will affect drivers

1. Drivers over the age of 70 will have to either undergo a medical examination or submit a declaration of health when renewing their driving license, depending on which EU country decides.
2. The standard period of validity of driving licenses for passenger cars and motorcycles will be 15 years. However, for people aged 65+, states will be able to set shorter periods for regular checks.
3. By 2030, the EU plans to introduce digital driver’s licenses that can be stored in a smartphone. At the same time, it will be possible to obtain a paper version of the certificate if desired.

Why older drivers will be checked more carefully

Scientific studies of the European Union indicate that after the age of 65, the quality of sensory functions and cognitive reactions gradually decreases in most people. In everyday conditions, this is not always noticeable, but in extreme traffic situations, a delay of even a few seconds can lead to an accident. Accident statistics show that the number of road accidents involving elderly drivers is gradually increasing, particularly with serious consequences for passengers and pedestrians.

Although older drivers themselves generally follow a more cautious driving style, it is precisely the inability to react quickly at a critical moment that becomes a problem.

Differences in approaches: what already works in different EU countries

The EU seeks to harmonize the control system, but there are already significant differences between the states:

• In Poland, there are no mandatory medical examinations for elderly drivers, except in cases of obtaining a first license, serious violations of traffic rules or court decisions.
• Germany and the Netherlands have self-assessment or voluntary medical check-up systems.
• In Italy, after the age of 70 or 75, there are mandatory medical tests of the psychophysiological state.
• In France and Spain, the requirements may differ depending on the category of license.

The new European rules allow maintaining such flexibility, allowing each country to independently set the order of inspections.

What does this mean for Ukrainian refugees?

For Ukrainians who received temporary protection in EU countries, the issue of medical examinations for elderly drivers may become relevant in the coming years. Although there are currently some simplifications for the exchange of Ukrainian driver’s licenses, in the future it will be necessary to comply with the requirements of the specific country of residence in order to renew or replace them.

Ukrainians should consider several points:

• In many EU countries, there is already an obligation to undergo medical examinations when exchanging a license or after reaching a certain age.
• For some categories of vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, medical examinations for older drivers are mandatory regardless of national simplifications for refugees.
• Even if the examination is not mandatory, experts advise periodically consulting with doctors about vision, hearing and general health.

Self-assessment or medical examination: what will be mandatory

Whether the self-assessment procedure will become a formality will depend on the decision made by the country where the driver is located. In most cases, the health declaration will include direct questions about:

• presence of serious chronic diseases;
• problems with vision, hearing, coordination;
• mental disorders or use of drugs that affect driving.

The declaration will have to be filled out honestly, because if problems are hidden, the driver is responsible in the event of an accident.

What experts advise elderly drivers

Regardless of age, doctors and driving instructors recommend following several rules:

• regularly check vision and hearing even without mandatory requirements;
• consult a doctor at the first signs of slowing of the reaction or loss of concentration;
• avoid driving in conditions of severe fatigue, poor visibility or in difficult weather conditions.

These simple measures will help to avoid danger both for yourself and for other road users.

The age of drivers on European roads is increasing rapidly: according to Eurostat, in the 2030s, every fourth driver in the EU will be over 65 years old. Without additional control, this can lead to a sharp increase in the number of accidents with serious consequences. That is why the new European rules are designed not so much to limit the rights of the elderly as to minimize emergency situations before they occur.