National Police Agency recommends revising actual vehicle test for elderly driver's license renewal, adding direction change task

On the 3rd, the National Police Agency's expert review committee, which is discussing a review of the driving skill test (actual vehicle test) conducted at the time of driver's license renewal for drivers over 75 years of age with a history of certain violations, compiled a report on the 3rd. The addition of a ``direction change'' task that requires multiple driving maneuvers was shown. The decision was made based on the fact that many accidents are caused by drivers who have passed the driving test.

The National Police Agency aims to make improvements starting next fiscal year by amending the Road Traffic Law Enforcement Regulations.

The driving test will be introduced in 2022 and will be mandatory for people aged 75 and over who renew their driving license and have committed certain offenses in the past three years. There are five tasks such as stopping and passing traffic lights, and the inspectors score them on a scale of 100 to 100 points. A score of 70 or above will pass the Class 1 license.

2.8 times more accidents for those who passed the exam

However, when the National Police Agency followed up on the number of accidents (per 100,000 people) among those who passed the exam and those who took courses for the elderly (those aged 75 and over) who were not eligible for the exam, it was found that those who passed the exam had 2.8 times as many accidents as elderly people who were not eligible for the exam. The number of violations was 1.9 times.

The National Police Agency has held an expert review committee three times in July and August to discuss the need to revise the actual vehicle tests because they are not functioning satisfactorily.

The study committee's report states that accidents involving the elderly are often caused by the mistake of pressing the accelerator or brake, and that it is necessary to address issues that require simultaneous attention to the pedals, steering wheel, and attention to the rear and surroundings. We decided to add a direction change feature, such as when entering a limited space in a garage, by reversing from one direction and moving forward in the opposite direction. At this time, if you make contact or go off track, 20 points will be deducted.

■Pass rate 93.9% → 81.6…