Elderly Driver License Renewal System to Launch on May 31, Medical Examination Form to Include Self-Assessment and Doctor's Advice
Taiwan's elderly driver's license renewal system will change on May 31, extending to drivers under 75. Drivers aged 70 and above will require a physical examination and safety education, while those 75 and older will also need a cognitive function test. Penalties apply for unrenewed licenses.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 16:24
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(Central News Agency reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, May 1st) The age for elderly driver's license renewal, originally 75, is set to be lowered to 70, with implementation planned for May 31. The Directorate General of Highways stated that they are considering adding a comprehensive doctor's recommendation and a driver's self-declaration to the medical examination form. The latter is likely to apply to those aged 75 and above, asking drivers to self-assess any physical or mental discomfort.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced three strategies for driver's license management last October. Among them, the age for elderly driver's license renewal will be lowered from 75 to 70, with implementation expected on May 31 this year. Elders aged 70 to 74 must pass a physical examination and complete a 2-hour free safety education course to renew their license, which will be valid until age 75, with a two-year buffer period.
For elders aged 75 and above, the three-year renewal system remains. In addition to passing a physical examination and safety education course, they must also pass a cognitive function test to renew their license, which will be valid for three years.
Huang Ming-sheng, Deputy Chief of the Vehicle Management Division at the Directorate General of Highways, stated in an interview with the Central News Agency that the safety education course is primarily based on the Japanese system, lasting two hours. Online reservations will be open in the future, and elders can attend classes at motor vehicle offices, care centers, senior citizen centers, driving schools, etc. The course will provide the latest traffic safety regulations, actual accident situations, changes in drivers' physical and mental conditions, and safe driving knowledge. It will also include a 30-minute experience of road hazard perception, using simulated road scenario videos.
Regarding the new system's exclusion of cognitive function tests for elders aged 70 to 74 in the renewal process, Huang Ming-sheng explained that this decision was made by referring to the "2023 Epidemiological Survey Results" provided by the Taiwanese Society of Psychiatry to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and a 2025 National Health Insurance database study. In both the 70-74 and 75-79 age groups, the prevalence of dementia in elders aged 75-79 is approximately twice that of those aged 70-74, and the trend of prevalence is more significant in older groups. The reason for not using 70 as the threshold for dementia cognitive function testing, besides referring to Japan, also considers factors such as dementia risk.
As for the cognitive function test required for elders aged 75 and above, the Directorate General of Highways listed three examination procedures and passing standards: The first is correct recognition ability of time and space, requiring answers to the current date and location; the second is short-term memory and thinking ability, which involves looking at 10 pictures, then recalling at least three after two minutes; the third is judgment and hand-eye coordination ability, which involves drawing a clock with specified time.
Huang Ming-sheng pointed out that if an elder fails the cognitive function test, they can go to a hospital for further assessment by a professional doctor to confirm they do not have moderate or severe dementia, and obtain a certification document.
In addition to existing physical examination items such as vision, hearing, limb integrity, and mobility, it is understood that the Directorate General of Highways is also considering adding "comprehensive doctor's recommendation" and "driver's self-declaration" to the medical examination form. The self-declaration item is likely to apply to elders aged 75 and above, listing several physical and mental discomfort conditions for drivers to self-assess and check if they have recently experienced similar situations.
The Directorate General of Highways stated that the new medical examination form has been submitted to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Driver Medical Advisory Committee for discussion and confirmation before implementation, to ensure drivers' fitness to drive.
To provide a complete buffer period for elders currently aged 70 but under 75, the Directorate General of Highways stated that all buffer periods extend until the end of May 2028. However, elders who have already used the two-year buffer period cannot claim the three-year buffer period for first-time license renewal after reaching 75. For elders who turn 70 after the new system takes effect, the license renewal buffer period will start from their 70th birthday and last for two years.
According to statistics from the Directorate General of Highways, the new elderly license renewal system will affect approximately 1.288 million people, including 1.1 million drivers aged 70-74 and 188,000 drivers aged 75 and above. After the expected implementation on May 31, notifications will be mailed out starting in June, with an average of over 100,000 renewal notices sent monthly, reminding elders to renew their licenses upon receipt of the notice.
According to Article 22, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 7 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, driving with an expired driver's license is subject to a fine of NT$1,800 to NT$3,600, prohibition from driving, and confiscation of the driver's license. The Directorate General of Highways reminds that if a license is not renewed and the driver receives traffic violation points or a suspended license, they should process the renewal within three months of being notified by the motor vehicle authority.
To encourage elders to actively adjust their mode of transportation based on their own condition while considering their mobility needs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications launched the "TPASS Ride Reward Measure for Elderly License Surrenderers" starting January this year. Elders aged 70 and above who voluntarily surrender their license will receive a 50% monthly reimbursement for TPASS e-wallet transportation expenses, with a monthly limit of NT$1,500, applicable once per person for a period of two years. This measure covers public transportation and taxi expenses. According to Directorate General of Highways statistics, as of March 31, over 5,300 people have surrendered their licenses and qualified for the reward.
In addition to the new elderly license renewal system, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications also recently announced a revision to the Road Traffic Safety Regulations. Drivers aged 75 and above who have a record of traffic violations leading to accidents are expected, starting December 31, to be required to complete training at a certified driving training institution before license renewal (no longer needing to attend road traffic safety lectures). (Editor: Chen Kung-wei) 1150501
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced three strategies for driver's license management last October. Among them, the age for elderly driver's license renewal will be lowered from 75 to 70, with implementation expected on May 31 this year. Elders aged 70 to 74 must pass a physical examination and complete a 2-hour free safety education course to renew their license, which will be valid until age 75, with a two-year buffer period.
For elders aged 75 and above, the three-year renewal system remains. In addition to passing a physical examination and safety education course, they must also pass a cognitive function test to renew their license, which will be valid for three years.
Huang Ming-sheng, Deputy Chief of the Vehicle Management Division at the Directorate General of Highways, stated in an interview with the Central News Agency that the safety education course is primarily based on the Japanese system, lasting two hours. Online reservations will be open in the future, and elders can attend classes at motor vehicle offices, care centers, senior citizen centers, driving schools, etc. The course will provide the latest traffic safety regulations, actual accident situations, changes in drivers' physical and mental conditions, and safe driving knowledge. It will also include a 30-minute experience of road hazard perception, using simulated road scenario videos.
Regarding the new system's exclusion of cognitive function tests for elders aged 70 to 74 in the renewal process, Huang Ming-sheng explained that this decision was made by referring to the "2023 Epidemiological Survey Results" provided by the Taiwanese Society of Psychiatry to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and a 2025 National Health Insurance database study. In both the 70-74 and 75-79 age groups, the prevalence of dementia in elders aged 75-79 is approximately twice that of those aged 70-74, and the trend of prevalence is more significant in older groups. The reason for not using 70 as the threshold for dementia cognitive function testing, besides referring to Japan, also considers factors such as dementia risk.
As for the cognitive function test required for elders aged 75 and above, the Directorate General of Highways listed three examination procedures and passing standards: The first is correct recognition ability of time and space, requiring answers to the current date and location; the second is short-term memory and thinking ability, which involves looking at 10 pictures, then recalling at least three after two minutes; the third is judgment and hand-eye coordination ability, which involves drawing a clock with specified time.
Huang Ming-sheng pointed out that if an elder fails the cognitive function test, they can go to a hospital for further assessment by a professional doctor to confirm they do not have moderate or severe dementia, and obtain a certification document.
In addition to existing physical examination items such as vision, hearing, limb integrity, and mobility, it is understood that the Directorate General of Highways is also considering adding "comprehensive doctor's recommendation" and "driver's self-declaration" to the medical examination form. The self-declaration item is likely to apply to elders aged 75 and above, listing several physical and mental discomfort conditions for drivers to self-assess and check if they have recently experienced similar situations.
The Directorate General of Highways stated that the new medical examination form has been submitted to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Driver Medical Advisory Committee for discussion and confirmation before implementation, to ensure drivers' fitness to drive.
To provide a complete buffer period for elders currently aged 70 but under 75, the Directorate General of Highways stated that all buffer periods extend until the end of May 2028. However, elders who have already used the two-year buffer period cannot claim the three-year buffer period for first-time license renewal after reaching 75. For elders who turn 70 after the new system takes effect, the license renewal buffer period will start from their 70th birthday and last for two years.
According to statistics from the Directorate General of Highways, the new elderly license renewal system will affect approximately 1.288 million people, including 1.1 million drivers aged 70-74 and 188,000 drivers aged 75 and above. After the expected implementation on May 31, notifications will be mailed out starting in June, with an average of over 100,000 renewal notices sent monthly, reminding elders to renew their licenses upon receipt of the notice.
According to Article 22, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 7 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, driving with an expired driver's license is subject to a fine of NT$1,800 to NT$3,600, prohibition from driving, and confiscation of the driver's license. The Directorate General of Highways reminds that if a license is not renewed and the driver receives traffic violation points or a suspended license, they should process the renewal within three months of being notified by the motor vehicle authority.
To encourage elders to actively adjust their mode of transportation based on their own condition while considering their mobility needs, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications launched the "TPASS Ride Reward Measure for Elderly License Surrenderers" starting January this year. Elders aged 70 and above who voluntarily surrender their license will receive a 50% monthly reimbursement for TPASS e-wallet transportation expenses, with a monthly limit of NT$1,500, applicable once per person for a period of two years. This measure covers public transportation and taxi expenses. According to Directorate General of Highways statistics, as of March 31, over 5,300 people have surrendered their licenses and qualified for the reward.
In addition to the new elderly license renewal system, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications also recently announced a revision to the Road Traffic Safety Regulations. Drivers aged 75 and above who have a record of traffic violations leading to accidents are expected, starting December 31, to be required to complete training at a certified driving training institution before license renewal (no longer needing to attend road traffic safety lectures). (Editor: Chen Kung-wei) 1150501