Seniors over 75 years old who commit driving violations and cause accidents will have to take driving lessons at their own expense to renew their licenses starting from 12/31

Starting from December 31 this year, a new system will be implemented to ensure the driving safety of the elderly. (File photo)

The issue of elderly driving violating regulations and causing accidents has been frequently discussed. The Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transport has launched a new management system for elderly driving this year. Starting from December 31 this year, a new system will be implemented to ensure the driving safety of elderly people.

Starting from May 31 this year, the Ministry of Transport has launched a series of new license renewal systems for senior citizens, including adjusting the regular license renewal age from 75 to 70. Seniors over 70 must complete a physical examination and attend senior license renewal classes before they can renew their driver's licenses until the age of 75. Seniors over 75 must also pass a cognitive function test or provide documentation proving that they do not suffer from moderate or above moderate dementia, and will be renewed every three years thereafter.

In addition, in order to meet the travel needs of the elderly and reduce the burden of transportation expenses, for those over 70 years old who have surrendered their driver's licenses, subsidized TPASS ride discounts will be provided to ensure the mobility rights of the elderly. It is also planned that starting from December 31, senior citizens over 75 years old who violate regulations and cause accidents must go to a driving training class at their own expense to complete on-site training before they can renew their licenses to ensure safe driving for the elderly.

Many people have also criticized our country's driving license examination system for not being rigorous enough. The Ministry of Transport has strengthened the identification of license examinations. On January 30 this year, a new written test system for motorcycles was launched. On March 31, a score sheet for small parking lots and large-scale car road tests was implemented. On June 30, a new written test system for automobiles was implemented. In September, road driving training for motorcycles was promoted.

The Ministry of Transport stated that starting from December this year, it plans to increase the number of routes for small lane tests and add unsignaled intersections to the test items. From next year, it plans to introduce automobile and motorcycle driving simulator training and trial road tests for motorcycles in different zones. The goal is to ensure from the source that all drivers have sufficient safe driving capabilities and a people-centered concept.