Society

First country in the world sets maximum driving age: they’ll take away your license

New regulation places strict age caps and health requirements on older drivers to improve road safety.

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Update: Aug 7th, 2025 05:20 EDT

A medical exam in Peru is the only chance people over 70 have to keep driving – and even then, only for a limited time. According to Blic, part of Ringier Media International, anyone over 80 will no longer be able to renew their driver’s license in the country.

The rule is part of a preventative effort to reduce car accidents, as age-related decline can impact driving ability. Deteriorating eyesight, slower reflexes or impaired mobility are among the key concerns prompting action by the Peruvian government.

What the new driving regulation includes

Whether a person can keep their driver’s license in Peru now depends on several factors – including their cognitive and physical health, age, and the type of vehicle they drive. The country’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, which issued the new rule, has introduced age limits for different categories of drivers.

Bus and van drivers

Professional drivers operating buses or vans will no longer be allowed to renew their license after turning 80.

Car drivers

For everyday car drivers, the limits are slightly more flexible. Those aged between 70 and 75 can extend their licenses for five years. After that period, and following a favorable medical evaluation, they may renew it again – this time for three years, up until the age of 80.

In special cases, drivers who are 80 or 81 may be granted a final two-year extension. But after that, like all other Peruvians of the same age, they’ll be permanently barred from driving.

Another country imposes similar rules

Romania has adopted a similar approach aimed at improving road safety and preventing accidents. Although it hasn’t set a maximum age limit like Peru, the country now requires drivers over 65 to undergo a series of medical checks in order to continue driving – meaning many may have to stop long before turning 80.

In Romania, standard license validity is ten years up to age 65. After that, drivers aged 65 to 70 must renew their licenses every five years, with a successful medical exam. Once they pass 70, licenses must be renewed every three years, and after turning 80, every two years.

What the medical exams involve

These tests are designed to determine whether a person is still fit to drive – and a failed medical assessment automatically disqualifies someone from renewing their license. In addition to standard checks, any driver diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes, epilepsy or a heart condition will be disqualified immediately.

To assess whether a driver is still capable, doctors examine their motor skills, vision, and other key abilities required for safe driving. The process includes an eye exam, a neuropsychiatric evaluation, a psychological assessment, and a general medical consultation.