Driving license for life: what is the medical examination debated in the European Parliament this Wednesday ?

Le Parlement europ̩en statuera ce mercredi. MAXPPP РRichard Villalon

Ce mercredi 28 février 2024, le Parlement européen statuera sur le droit au permis de conduire à vie. L'eurodéputée écologiste française Karima Delli défend une proposition pour instaurer une visite médicale tous les 15 ans.

Defended by French environmentalist MEP Karima Delli, the measure aims to halve the number of road deaths in Europe by 2030 and even 0 deaths by 2050. A figure which today amounts to 20,000 per year.

This Tuesday, February 27, European deputies debated the proposal to introduce a medical examination every fifteen years. The measurement would consist of a check of the driver's vision, hearing and cognitive reflexes.

These tests already exist in several European countries such as Italy, Finland and the Netherlands.

The mandatory aptitude test

However, in France there is a "compulsory aptitude test" which concerns people with a medical contraindication to driving. That is to say people suffering from psychiatric disorders, vision, sleep, or certain cardiovascular diseases.

But it is up to the person concerned to take this test on their own initiative. If she fails to do so, she risks a two-year prison sentence and a fine of 4,500 euros. If applicable and in the event of an accident of his own making, he will not be covered by his insurance, reports the National Council of the Order of Physicians.

Who to contact to pass this check ?

To undergo this test, you must contact the doctor responsible for the medical check of fitness to drive. It is approved by the prefect of the department in which the patient resides. He can thus receive, at their request, drivers or license candidates.

He can issue a medical opinion on the ability to drive, the duration of this ability (or inability) and possibly the restrictions that apply. He can ask the prefect to summon the person examined before the primary medical commission of the department.

He may also request additional examinations, and condition his decision on the advice of a specialist.

Public transport drivers already affected

Taxi, ambulance, school bus, and even public transport drivers are required to submit to tests to renew their driving license.

Thus for drivers under 60 years old, renewal takes place every 5 years. For those aged between 60 and 76, every 2 years? And for those aged 76 and over, every year.