Senior Driving License: Regulations, Medical Check-Up and Renewal
Do you need to retake the driving test after 70? Is a medical check-up mandatory? These questions are legitimate as one ages. This article reviews the French and European regulations concerning senior driving licenses.
In France: no age limit!
The B license is valid for life. There is no mandatory medical check-up or renewal related to age (except for specific pathologies).
France is among the most lenient European countries regarding senior licenses. But this could change with the new European directive of 2023...
Current regulations in France (2024)
Here is what the French law says about senior driving licenses:
No age limit
No maximum age to drive in France
Lifetime license
The B license does not expire (except in new format)
No mandatory check-up
No medical exam imposed by age
Self-assessment
It's up to the driver to judge their abilities
⚠️ Note: if you have certain pathologies (insulin-treated diabetes, epilepsy, heart disorders...), a medical check-up may be required regardless of age.
Comparison with other European countries
France is an exception in Europe. Most countries require a medical check-up from a certain age:
| Country | Mandatory medical check-up | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | No (except for pathologies) | - |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Yes, from 65 | Every 5 years, then 2 years after 70 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Yes, from 50 | Every 5 years, then 3 years after 70 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Yes, from 60 | Every 5 years, then 2 years after 70 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Yes, from 75 | Every 5 years |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | No | - |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | No | - |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Self-declaration at 70 | Every 3 years |
The new European directive 2023
In December 2023, the European Union adopted a new directive that could change things:
- Mandatory self-assessment at 70 then every 5 years
- License renewal every 15 years (currently unlimited in France)
- Member states have until 2027 to transpose the directive
- France could opt for a simple health questionnaire
📅 For now, nothing changes in France. The transposition of the directive is under discussion and the exact modalities are not yet defined.
In which cases is a medical check-up required?
Even in the absence of an age-related obligation, a medical check-up is mandatory in certain cases:
Pathologies subject to control
- Insulin-treated diabetes: check-up every 5 years
- Epilepsy: regular check-up depending on the case
- Heart disorders with risk of syncope
- Severe sleep apnea
- Significant visual disorders
- Psychiatric disorders or addictions
After certain events
- After a stroke: mandatory check-up before resuming
- After a license suspension for medical reasons
- If a doctor reports unfitness to the prefecture
🚨 Medical reporting
A doctor can report to the prefecture a patient they deem unfit to drive. This report is anonymous and triggers a summons for a medical check-up with an approved doctor.
- The doctor has no power to revoke the license
- Only the prefecture can declare unfitness
- The report remains confidential
What is the process for the medical check-up?
If you are summoned for a medical driving aptitude check-up:
Make an appointment
Contact a prefecture-approved doctor (list available at the prefecture or online).
Prepare documents
Bring: driving license, ID, glasses/hearing aids, prescriptions, and medical file.
Medical exam
The doctor assesses: vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive functions, medical history.
Decision
3 possible outcomes: full fitness, fitness with restrictions (no night, speed limited...), or unfitness.
Cost: The medical driving aptitude check-up costs around €36 and is not covered by social security.
🚗 Evaluate your abilities before the check-up
Our free test gives you an overview of your skills: reflexes, vision, attention...
🎯 Take the free test →Frequently asked questions
No, age alone can never be a reason for license revocation in France. Only a medical unfitness confirmed by an approved doctor, then validated by the prefecture, can lead to a restriction or revocation of driving rights.
Insurance cannot refuse to cover you solely because of your age (discrimination). However, they can adjust the premium based on risk profile or offer specific guarantees. Compare offers!
You must declare any condition that is subject to a restriction on your license (mention on the license or medical certificate). In case of an accident, false declaration may result in contract nullification.
Several options: 1) Take a self-assessment test to objectify the situation, 2) Adapt your driving (avoid night, long trips...), 3) Consult a doctor for advice, 4) Take a refresher course in a driving school.
Yes, many driving schools offer "refresher" or "improvement" courses for experienced drivers. These courses allow you to review your practices and regain confidence. Some mutuals cover their costs.
Our advice
Even without legal obligation, we recommend:
- Annual vision check with an ophthalmologist after 65
- Self-assessment test every 1-2 years to monitor your abilities
- Talk to your doctor about your driving during consultations
- Listen to your relatives if they express concerns
- Gradually adapt rather than suddenly stopping
🚗 Evaluate your abilities
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