Can I still get a driver's license at the age of 60?
4 Answers
Individuals aged 60 to 70 can apply. Those aged 60 to 70 can obtain a driver's license for small cars (C1), small automatic transmission cars (C2), small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled (C5), and light motorcycles (F). According to Article 12 of the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," applicants for a motor vehicle driving license must meet the following requirements: (1) Age requirements: 1. For small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, and light motorcycles, the applicant must be between 18 and 70 years old. 2. For low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery, the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old. 3. For city buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams, the applicant must be between 20 and 50 years old. 4. For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 21 and 50 years old. 5. For tractor-trailers, the applicant must be between 24 and 50 years old. 6. For large passenger vehicles, the applicant must be between 26 and 50 years old. 7. Students receiving full-time driving vocational education can apply for large passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers if they are between 20 and 50 years old. (2) Physical requirements: 1. Height: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, city buses, large trucks, or trolleybuses must be at least 155 cm tall. For medium-sized passenger vehicles, the minimum height is 150 cm. 2. Vision: Applicants for large passenger vehicles, tractor-trailers, city buses, medium-sized passenger vehicles, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams must have uncorrected or corrected visual acuity of at least 5.0 on the logarithmic visual acuity chart. For other vehicle types, the requirement is at least 4.9. Individuals with monocular vision impairment can apply for small cars, small automatic transmission cars, low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, or small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled if their uncorrected or corrected visual acuity in the right eye is at least 5.0 and their horizontal field of vision is at least 150 degrees. 3. Color vision: No red-green color blindness.
As someone who has worked in a driving school for several years, I can say that taking the driving test at 60 is completely fine. There is no upper age limit in the law, as long as you meet the physical requirements, such as passing the vision test and having no serious illnesses like heart disease or a history of stroke. A medical check-up is a mandatory step, so remember to get it done at the hospital in advance to avoid issues on the test day. When enrolling in driving lessons, communicate more with the instructors—they are experienced and can adjust for slightly slower reactions. Many elderly drivers end up driving more steadily, reducing the impatience common among beginners. Starting something new at 60 is all about maintaining a healthy mindset.
I got my driver's license last year at the age of 60, and now I find it very easy to drive myself for grocery shopping. Initially, I doubted whether it would be difficult to learn at an older age, but after passing the medical exam, I signed up. The driving school taught the theory in stages, and I used an APP to review the question bank. During the road test, I drove slowly, and the instructor said that older people have lower accident rates because they are more cautious. During the practice sessions, I strengthened my leg muscles to avoid fatigue from prolonged sitting. If you have underlying health conditions, make sure they are under control and don't push yourself too hard, but in most cases, you can get your license smoothly.
From a safety perspective, whether a 60-year-old can obtain a driver's license depends on health rather than age. Key factors include passing medical exams covering vision and reaction tests, with regular check-ups to ensure no conditions hinder driving. Well-managed chronic illnesses won't affect learning driving skills. Driving schools often provide additional coaching to adapt to various road conditions. Maintaining a positive mindset and physical exercise can make obtaining a license an enjoyable life enhancement.
