Driving license tests for seniors? Transport Minister Schnieder opposes

Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder's rejection of mandatory driving aptitude tests has met with mixed reactions from our readers. Under the article "Now the Transport Minister is talking about new driving tests for seniors," many support regular testing of older drivers. Critics, however, warn of injustice and age discrimination. It's also repeatedly pointed out that young drivers cause significantly more accidents. Opinions are divided among readers.

Seventeen percent of comments advocate for mandatory eye tests and medical examinations starting at a certain age. The goal is to increase road safety. The suggestions range from regular eye tests to comprehensive driving aptitude tests.

"In exchange for an eye test and, starting at 50, a medical examination, like for taxi, bus, and truck drivers... where's the problem?" Original comment

"There would be nothing wrong with a mandatory eye test every four years for all drivers, as in the USA." Original comment

"We obviously need regular driving ability tests for older people." Original comment

"It's just about driving aptitude tests. Those who pass keep their license. And those who fail are no longer allowed to drive for objective reasons. That's better for the person concerned and for everyone else as well. Why all the fuss?" Original comment

"From age 75, you should have a medical check-up every three years to have your hearing and eyesight documented or corrected if necessary, and to rule out dementia. Similarly, drivers under 25 should be banned from driving cars with more than 150 hp. Anyone who wants to reduce accidents will have to increase speed limits in urban areas and limit the speed limit to 80 km/h on rural roads." Original comment

Some readers emphasize that serious accidents are more often caused by young drivers. Seniors, by comparison, are considered less risky. Many articles emphasize speed and risky behavior as the main causes.

"Excessive speed, risky overtaking, and tailgating are responsible for over 90 percent of serious accidents. These are not the elderly." Original comment

"The greatest risk of accidents is certainly not the pensioners, but, as we see every day, speeders and hectic drivers who cannot keep a safe distance and overtake dangerously." Original comment

"Thank you, that's good. The fatal accidents are caused by young speeders, alcoholics, and drug addicts." Original comment

"The numbers simply don't support it. Rather, completely different age groups would have to be checked quarterly! Period!" Original comment

Many commentators oppose age-based supplementary exams, seeing them as a disadvantage for seniors who are expected to work longer. Readers speak of double standards and injustice.

"Seniors are supposed to work until they're 70 and then add a year of social service. But they can't drive anymore. Exactly my kind of humor." Original comment

"So pensioners should also pay such fees from their pensions? Germany's governments of the last 35 years have shown a great lack of solidarity with workers, whose work and tax payments make such a bloated government possible. And as thanks, they are expected to work even longer and pay even more contributions, only to ultimately be fleeced as pensioners." Original comment

"A new ploy to generate funds. Replacing old laws with new ones. The EU and local politicians are world champions at this, and empty coffers are fueling it. Sidelining old people is ageist." Original comment

Thirteen percent cite statistics showing that younger drivers are significantly more likely to cause serious accidents. Seniors are more likely to cause minor damage, such as parking bumps, but drive more cautiously in traffic.

"I've talked to my insurance broker about this topic, and he says that statistically, seniors are more likely to be involved in minor accidents like parking bumps, etc." Original comment

"Statistically, the Gen Z generation has twice the accident frequency as the second-ranked age group. Even an increase in the age group 75 and older is simply not discernible." Original comment

"The seniors still know how to drive with foresight and in a way that other road users can assess. All I can say is: turn signals." Original comment

"Anyone who observes how people behave in traffic will notice that, on the one hand, older citizens drive very slowly and younger, mostly male citizens drive too fast, occasionally even conspicuously with "hopping" in city traffic, or younger women, left hand on the handlebars, right hand with a cell phone to their ear. Fatal street races aren't really the thing for older people either." To the original comment

"Not a week goes by in our city without at least one or two accidents involving pensioners appearing in the newspapers. Parking collisions, but also accidents with major damage. Often in combination with hit-and-runs. Just yesterday, a man over 90 was involved. Cars were hit all around him, meaning the number of unreported cases is very high." To the original comment

Nine percent see new tests primarily as a source of revenue for driving schools, testing centers, or authorities. The accusations revolve around lobbying and economic interests.

"The driving schools have enough to do. They don't need any more employment models. And neither does the TÜV!" Original comment

"Question: Who is behind the "driver's license test for seniors"? Previously, military personnel could obtain their truck driver's license in the Bundeswehr; later, only those who already had one in civilian life were allowed to do so. The driving school lobby is strong in this country, and with declining birth rates, they simply lack new customers." Original comment

"Let's not forget that a lot of money could be made through driving ability tests (preferably with psychological tests), refresher courses, etc. (And Mr. Fratzscher would be happy with that, too, since the bad old boomers are finally being punished.) A win-win, so to speak." Original comment

"Perhaps the exam should include a vision test, intelligence test, reading test, character test... for traffic calming purposes. This is where bureaucracy comes in." Original comment

Some readers are calling for driving tests and checks to be imposed regularly on all drivers, not just seniors, regardless of age. The goal is greater fairness and road safety.

"If there's going to be a check, then it should be for everyone. And equally for everyone. For example, for 18-year-olds, just as for 75-year-olds every five years. A liver test would also be sensible for everyone." Original comment

"Theoretical and practical tests should be required every five years after obtaining a driver's license. Not only after more than 50 years. The road traffic regulations change in the meantime, people forget them over time, they drive more and more carelessly, and their health also steadily deteriorates." Original comment

"What is the ratio of new drivers, posers, and speeders to retirees? Wouldn't everyone under 30 have to take a retest every six months? Have you ever thought about treating all drivers equally?" Original comment

"First, the driving license for drivers under 27 years of age should be limited to a maximum of 150 hp." To the original comment

"The serious, often fatal traffic accidents have recently been caused by young people driving vehicles with 500 hp or more. A minimum age should first be established by law to allow these vehicles to be licensed to novice drivers." Original comment

24 percent commented ironically or sarcastically. The mockery was often directed at politics, the EU, or bureaucracy.

"First, the Bundestag should be expanded to accommodate 1,000 members of parliament and a new building should be built for the 10,000 support staff." Original comment

"I assume that driving licenses will be available for purchase, just like language certificates and entry visas." Original comment

"That would be something, too. An active pension without the cardboard. At least one that has the perspective." Original comment

The debate surrounding new driving tests for seniors demonstrates that the way we treat older road users is polarizing. Join the discussion: Have you experienced certain age groups in your daily driving experience, particularly positively or negatively—and where do you see the greatest risks to road safety?