Which legislation is relevant to the elderly?

Answer

In the Netherlands, drivers of 75 years old and older have to submit a Declaration of Fitness to Drive when applying for a new driving licence. This declaration can be obtained from the Dutch Driving Test Organisation CBR) by filling in and sending a Personal Declaration with answers to ten questions about physical and mental disorders that are relevant for road safety, such as epilepsy, loss of balance, eye diseases, and use of medicines that can influence driving skills. A Medical Report, filled in by a doctor, must accompany the Personal Declaration. In the Medical Report, the doctor reports his/her findings concerning blood pressure, visual acuity with and without correction (glasses), the field of vision, hearing, limitations in the use of the neck, back, and limbs, and the general physical and mental condition of the applicant. If no impediments are found in the medical examination, the applicant receives a Declaration of Fitness to Drive that is valid for 5 years. If there are doubts about future fitness, a limited validity of 1 to 3 years can be decided upon. In addition, limitations to the conditions under which a motor vehicle may be driven can be imposed. These can refer to requirements of the vehicle (e.g. an automatic gearbox), the driver (e.g. wearing glasses), or use of the vehicle (e.g. only during daytime). A code which is put on the driving licence indicates which restrictions apply.

Part of fact sheet

The elderly in traffic

The elderly have a higher than average fatality rate in traffic. The most important cause of this high fatality rate among the 75 year olds… Meer

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