Will driving privileges be revoked after age 65: what changes will the new draft law on road traffic bring?

In recent weeks, rumors have been actively spreading in Ukraine about the alleged automatic cancellation of driver’s licenses after reaching the age of 65. However, experts emphasize that there are no such norms in the new government bill No. 15200.

The document, registered in the Verkhovna Rada at the end of April, provides for a comprehensive update of the Law of Ukraine “On Road Traffic” in order to harmonize it with European standards. At the same time, it does not establish any age restrictions for elderly drivers.

The emergence of such rumors is associated with another bill – No. 8082, which previously offered special conditions for elderly drivers, including cognitive testing after 65 years of age and a reduction in the validity period of licenses. However, this document was withdrawn last year due to public outcry and criticism of discriminatory norms.

Currently, there is no upper age limit for driving in Ukraine. The main criterion remains the driver’s health. The legislation only provides for different intervals for medical examinations: once every 10 years – up to 55 years, once every three years – up to 75 years, and after 76 years – every year.

At the same time, the new bill No. 15200 contains a number of other important changes. Among them are the gradual access of young people to driving various categories of transport, the official equalization of digital driver’s licenses in the Diya application to paper ones, stricter rules for drivers deprived of their rights for serious violations, as well as additional guarantees for veterans and people with disabilities.

Lawyers emphasize that currently no automatic restrictions or deprivation of rights based on age are provided for, and all the changes that are being prepared are aimed primarily at modernizing the system and adapting it to European rules.