eKathimerini — Drivers in Greece aged 74 years old and above will have to retake their driving test to prove that they still have the knowledge and reflexes to drive safely.
According to a decision by Transport Minister Christos Spirtzis that was published on Tuesday, all motorists will have to resit a basic driving test, without the written exam, when they turn 74 and will have to repeat the test every three years. Drivers aged 80 years old or above will have to pass a test every two years, the decision says.
Medical certificates from an optician and a GP will be required as well a fee of around €100.
The new regulations also apply to drivers in Greece who got their licenses in a different country.
“The aim is to ensure that every measure is being taken to guarantee driving safety and the protection of drivers,” Transport Ministry General Secretary Thanos Vourdas was quoted by the ANA-MPA news agency as saying.
Currently in the UK motorists can only remain on the road over the age of 70 if they declare themselves fit in that year and every three years after that, including confirming that they can still read a number plate at 20m. However, the number of motorists aged over 70 is now more than four million, leading to concerns that the DVLA cannot cope with the paperwork, and are proposing to increase the age limit to 75.
