Can You Still Drive After Age 70?

[McBeckett]

Driving is permitted after age 70. However, you must hold a valid driver's license, which is limited to C1 (small cars), C2 (small automatic transmission cars), and F (light motorcycles). Additionally, you must pass tests for memory, judgment, reaction ability, and other capabilities to ensure your physical condition meets the requirements for safe driving. Here are the specific regulations for driving motor vehicles after age 70: Holders of a C1 license: Once a driver reaches age 70, the C1 license must be reviewed annually, and the driver must undergo a medical examination. The driver must submit a "Driver’s Physical Condition Certificate" within 30 days after the end of the scoring cycle. If the certificate is not submitted, the license will be invalid the following year. If the vehicle management office determines that the driver’s physical condition still allows for driving, the driver may continue to drive. If the office deems the driver unfit, the license will be revoked. Drivers aged 60 or older are not permitted to drive large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams. Holders of A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, N, or P licenses must exchange their licenses for a C1 or C2 license (for small cars or small automatic transmission cars) at the license-issuing authority upon turning 60. After switching to a C1 license, the license must be reviewed annually starting at age 70, and a physical condition certificate must be submitted. Drivers aged 70 or older are not permitted to drive low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery. Drivers aged 70 or older holding a D or E license (for ordinary three-wheeled or two-wheeled motorcycles) must exchange it for an F license (for light motorcycles). Motor vehicle drivers aged 70 or older must undergo an annual physical examination, completed within 30 days after the end of the scoring cycle. If a driver fails to submit a physical condition certificate within one year after the end of the scoring cycle, the vehicle management office will revoke their motor vehicle driver’s license. This means that as long as a driver has a valid license and meets the physical requirements, they can continue to drive regardless of age. However, older drivers may have disadvantages in vision, hearing, reaction time, and psychological resilience, so they should carefully assess their physical condition before deciding whether to continue driving. Upon reaching age 60, drivers must promptly visit the vehicle management office or traffic police department with their ID card, driver’s license, standard license photo, and a physical condition certificate issued by a county-level or military hospital (at or above the regimental level) to downgrade their license to C1 or C2. If the original vehicle class is no longer needed for daily travel, drivers may voluntarily apply for a downgrade in advance. Age requirements for first-time license applicants: For those applying for a driver’s license for the first time, the maximum age limits vary by vehicle class: Small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission cars for the disabled, or light motorcycles: 18 to 70 years old. Low-speed trucks, three-wheeled cars, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, or wheeled self-propelled machinery: 18 to 60 years old. City buses, large trucks, trolleybuses, or trams: 20 to 50 years old. Medium-sized buses: 21 to 50 years old. Tractors: 24 to 50 years old. Large buses: 26 to 50 years old. Students enrolled in full-time driving vocational education programs applying for large buses or tractors: 20 to 50 years old.

[LeDonovan]

Of course, you can still drive after the age of 70, but you need to be cautious about health issues affecting safety. I've followed many cases and found that blurred vision or slower reactions are common risks for elderly drivers. It's advisable to have regular medical check-ups, especially for eyesight and cognitive functions, to prevent difficulties in seeing the road at night or reacting to sudden situations. If any issues are detected during check-ups, consider reducing driving frequency or asking family members for assistance. Safety first—don't forget to install a dashcam, which can help record incidents if they occur. Also, shorter trips are safer to avoid fatigue from long-distance driving. In short, maintaining good health is key to enjoying driving for a long time.