Pandemic, age, and driving: how license renewal works
Once people earn their driver’s license, imagining life without a car and the freedom to travel where they wish feels strange. When a vehicle is a key part of someone’s work, its importance grows even more.
A common fear for many drivers is the moment when age, slower reflexes, or vision changes start to affect driving and a renewal seems necessary before the current license expires.
Today, the Class B driving license is renewed every 10 years until the holder reaches 65. From that age, renewal periods shorten to every 5 years. Before 2009, validity lasted 10 years up to age 45; after that, renewals occurred every five years until 70, and then every two years thereafter.
In this country, there is no explicit age limit to keep driving, but after 65 the renewal frequency increases to ensure safety.
Therefore, after 65 the license’s validity period is reduced to make sure driving ability remains intact. The goal is to raise the frequency of medical and aptitude assessments so that continuing to drive is safe for everyone. But this is not solely an age matter; it depends on the driver’s actual capabilities. The medical examination required is the same for all ages.
Thus the maximum renewal periods for driving licenses are:
- 5 years: licenses for cars, motorcycles and mopeds (AM, A1, A2, A, B) and driving licenses.
- 3 years: professional licenses for buses and trucks (C, C1, D, D1, EC, EC1, ED, ED1, etc.).
Steps to take
- Visit an authorized Driver Recognition Center and indicate the desire to renew the driving license.
- The fee for the medical examination and traffic toll is about 24.58 euros (free if you are over 70).
- During the renewal process a provisional license is issued, allowing driving until the final license is received.
- About a month and a half later the license arrives at the applicant’s home.
Health issues that can shorten the license validity
- Aging brings risks that impact road safety. The following issues may lead to shorter renewal periods by up to two years:
- Muscle and joint stiffness.
- Slower reflexes.
- Vision difficulties, especially at night.
- Hearing problems.
- Challenges in dividing attention between tasks.
- Difficulty driving in unfamiliar, congested, or stressful settings.
- Increased fatigue susceptibility.
- Difficulty quickly reading road signs and obeying signals.
- Challenges driving in adverse weather conditions.