A driving license has a limited validity, namely ten years. When the validity expires, the driving license must be renewed. However, stricter rules apply to the elderly and seniors. For example, when 65 plus, 70 plus and 75 plus are always different rules. You may even need to have a medical test. Read all about renewing the driving license of the elderly in this article.
Legislation
A driver’s license is valid for ten years. However, different rules apply from the age of sixty-five. The following rules apply (2019):
- If you are between 65 and 70 years old: your new driving license is valid until you turn 75 years old. Your driving license is therefore valid for 5 to 10 years.
- Are you between 70 and 75 years old: your new driving license is valid for 5 years.
- If you are 75 or older: your new driving license is valid for 5 years, you must complete a health declaration and undergo a medical examination.
As you can read, renewal after the age of seventy-five requires a medical check-up every five years before your driving license is renewed.
Reminder letter
To remind you that your driving license has expired, the Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen will send you a reminder letter six months in advance. If you take action after receiving the reminder letter, you will have plenty of time to complete everything in time before the driving license expires. Do not wait too long, because in that case it may happen that the renewal of the driving license is not arranged on time.
Statement of Eligibility
In order to have the driving license renewed you must make a statement about your health. Such a statement consists of a questionnaire that you must complete. If you have to have a medical examination, the doctor will also have to complete part of the questionnaire. This concerns a health declaration. You must buy the Health Certificate yourself at the town hall, at the CBR or at the driving school. Once completed by the doctor, you can send the statement to the CBR, after which you will generally receive an answer within 4 weeks. If you receive a positive answer, you can arrange your driving license at the town hall.
What is checked during a medical examination?
During a mandatory medical examination, the doctor will check your mental and physical health. This includes function tests of legs, arms and your vertebrae. There is also a blood pressure measurement, a urine test for diabetes and a check of your eyes. The results of this test are therefore stated on the Health Certificate by the doctor.
Renew moped driving license
Unlike the car driving license, the stricter rules do not apply to the moped driving license. This can be extended regardless of your age without the need for a medical certificate. It is of course recommended that you no longer drive a moped if you notice that medical defects are hindering the safety of you and your fellow road users.