Some argue that elderly drivers should be retested, similar to “students reviewing for an exam,” but experts say age alone doesn’t define driving ability. What matters more are warning signs such as “slowed reflexes or poor vision.”

A tragic reminder came from La Rochelle, where “an 83-year-old driver going the wrong way struck a group of children on bicycles.” This renewed the difficult question: how long can one drive safely?

France’s Road Safety Authority notes that “drivers over 75 are involved in as many accidents as those aged 18–24.” This is often connected to age-related changes affecting vision, hearing, and reaction time. Still, the country has no maximum age limit for driving.

In France, “a standard B license remains valid for life” unless authorities revoke it for major violations. This contrasts with places such as Italy or Germany, where drivers must undergo regular medical checks once they turn 70 or 75 to ensure they are still fit for the road.

With an aging population, many experts believe that revisiting driving regulations could help maintain a balance between personal independence and public safety. Retesting or periodic health checks, they argue, could help identify drivers who need support, without assuming that all older adults are unsafe.

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