Senior driving 2026: fitness, medical exam and safety tips

In 2026, France remains one of the few European countries not to impose periodic medical exams on senior drivers holding a B license. This specificity is regularly debated, particularly in comparison with Italy, Spain or the Netherlands which impose a check from age 70 or 75. Yet road safety remains a major issue after this age. Here are the rules, recommendations and best practices to continue driving safely after 70.

The legal framework in France

For category B (passenger car), no medical exam is mandatory based on age in mainland France. The B license issued remains valid for life, subject to administrative renewal every 15 years (photo and signature update, without medical check). This rule does not apply to professional drivers (C, D, Taxi-VTC), who must undergo a periodic medical exam from age 60.

Comparison with Europe

Several neighbors have made different choices. In Italy, an exam is required every 5 years after 50, every 3 years after 70, every 2 years after 80. In the Netherlands, a medical test is mandatory from age 75. In Spain, every 10 years before 65, then every 5 years. These European differences fuel French reflection, but to date no reform imposing a mandatory exam for seniors has been adopted.

Self-assessment: an essential reflex

Road Safety recommends every senior driver an honest self-assessment every year. Several signs should alert: difficulty reading signs from a distance, increased fatigue after 30 minutes of driving, glare sensation at night, frequent hesitations at intersections, route forgetfulness, neck pain when looking at blind spots. The regular presence of several of these signs justifies a voluntary medical consultation.

The voluntary medical exam

Any driver can make an appointment with an approved doctor to assess their fitness to drive, even without obligation. This procedure, paid (36 euros in practice), provides an independent opinion on vision, hearing, reflexes, neck mobility and general fitness. The doctor may recommend vehicle adjustments, prescribe additional exams (ophthalmologist, ENT) or suggest voluntary restrictions (daytime driving only, limited area).

Tests performed

Distance visual acuity (sign at 25 meters), peripheral vision with a campimeter, color and contrast vision, hearing beyond 4 meters, neck mobility (left-right rotation), limb strength, simple reaction time, standing balance. The doctor may also request an eye specialist assessment for common conditions (cataract, AMD, glaucoma).

Adapting your vehicle

Many adjustments make driving easier after 70. Automatic or robotized transmission frees the left leg and attention, particularly useful in cities. Adaptive cruise control maintains safety distances. Parking sensors and rear cameras compensate for loss of neck mobility. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) has been standard on new vehicles since July 2024 (European GSR2 standard). Wide-angle mirrors reduce blind spots.

Choosing an adapted car

Choose a compact SUV or crossover offering a high driving position (easy entry and exit), electrically adjustable seats, heated steering wheel, hill start assist. Avoid very low sporty models (joint pain) and tall utility vehicles that are difficult to access. Hybrid or electric vehicles offer acoustic comfort appreciated by drivers sensitive to noise.

Voluntary license restrictions

On medical advice or voluntarily, restrictions can be added to the license: code 01 (wearing glasses), code 70 (automatic transmission), code 71 (driving limited to certain hours), code 78 (driving limited to a geographical area). These notes are not devaluing: they secure the driver's practice and reassure family. Modification is done on ANTS with medical opinion.

Refresher courses

Several approved associations (Prévention Routière, regional automobile clubs) offer refresher courses for seniors, over 1 or 2 days. The program includes a reminder of recent rules (modified priorities, new signs, low-emission zones), driving sessions accompanied by a qualified instructor on urban and highway routes, and a personalized assessment. The cost varies from 80 to 200 euros depending on duration. Some health insurers or pension funds partially reimburse these courses.

Practical daily tips

Have your eyes checked every year from age 65. Avoid night driving if glare bothers you. Favor familiar routes during off-peak hours. Maintain regular physical activity (walking, gentle gymnastics) to preserve neck mobility. Check the interaction of your medications with driving: some anxiolytics, antihistamines and painkillers are marked with an orange or red triangular pictogram on the box. Finally, listen to your family: a loved one expressing recurrent concern should be taken seriously.