As of: February 29, 2024, 4:30 p.m
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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There was a lot of headwind for the planned health tests for older drivers.
In Germany they are off the table for now.
The EU Parliament wants to leave the introduction to the states.
Since the spring of 2023, the EU plans presented at the time have caused a lot of excitement in Germany: As part of the driving license reform, the proposal came up that drivers aged 70 and over should have their driving ability checked.
Opinions on this varied widely: the
ADAC,
for example, criticized the tests as “not proportionate”, but in a survey a majority were in favor of driving ability tests for seniors.
However, following a decision by the EU Parliament, the introduction of such tests in Germany is now quite unlikely.
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Mandatory health examinations for drivers: Countries can decide for themselves
The EU Parliament wants to leave it to the EU states whether they want to introduce mandatory regular health examinations for drivers.
A majority of MPs were in favor of national governments deciding whether to require regular medical tests from driving license holders in the future.
Hearing and vision tests could then supplement a self-assessment of driving license holders.
The medical checks are viewed critically across party lines, particularly by German MPs.
However, they already exist in other EU countries.
Before new rules come into force, a compromise must be found between Parliament's demands and the position of the EU states.
Negotiations on this will only begin after a new European Parliament has been elected in the summer.
Driving ability tests for seniors: Unlikely in Germany
The likelihood that there will be health tests for older drivers in Germany in the future is low.
On the one hand, the EU states have already decided on their position for the upcoming final rounds of negotiations on the new rules and will not speak out in favor of mandatory tests.
On the other hand, Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) has clearly spoken out against such tests.
There will probably be no mandatory health examinations for older drivers in Germany in the foreseeable future.
(Symbolic image) © Zoonar II/Imago
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“Germany does not want such compulsory examinations,” said Wissing.
Citizens must independently check whether they are fit to drive or not.
“This applies to all ages,” emphasized the FDP politician.
He expressly welcomes the fact that proposals to subject senior citizens to a “compulsory medical examination” have once again been rejected.
People's personal responsibility cannot be replaced by government regulations.
It is also important not to create new, unnecessary bureaucracy.
There are also no significant figures that require action in a specific age group.
Learner drivers should be better prepared for “real driving situations”.
In Strasbourg, Parliament also spoke out in favor of better preparing drivers for real driving situations.
The relevant proposals include making driving in snow and slippery conditions and the safe use of phones while driving part of the driving test.
There will also be a digital driving license available on mobile phones in the future.
Although there are also apps that allow you to save your driving license on your smartphone, you still have to carry the card version with you.
Otherwise you could face a fine if you are stopped by the police.
The revision of the rules is based on a proposal from the EU Commission that was presented in March last year.
The proposals sparked a debate about whether older people pose a risk on the road.
But the investigations are only part of the project.
MPs voted that driving licenses should be valid for at least 15 years for motorcycles and cars and five years for trucks and buses.
What is standard in Germany will now also be available across the EU: According to MPs, novice drivers should complete a probationary period of at least two years.
Stricter alcohol limits apply.
Accompanied driving from the age of 17 is also to be introduced across the EU.
In addition, 17-year-olds should be able to get a truck driving license if they are accompanied by an experienced driver, according to the draft.
(With material from dpa)