Elderly driver license renewal regulations updated in Taiwan and Japan

New regulations regarding driver's license renewals for elderly citizens are being implemented in Taiwan and Japan.

In Taiwan, the age for periodic driver's license renewal has been lowered from 75 to 70 years old. Under the new system, drivers aged 70 to 74 must complete a physical examination and a two-hour safety seminar to receive a license valid until age 75. The Taichung Motor Vehicles Office has been conducting community outreach programs to facilitate this process, providing on-site medical checks and safety lectures to reduce the travel burden on seniors. A two-year buffer period has been established to manage the transition.

In Japan, discussions regarding elderly driver safety include the potential addition of new tests to verify the accuracy of accelerator and brake pedal operations during the license renewal process.