The issue of age limits and restrictions on the renewal of professional driving licences has come back strongly into the public debate in Europe. The European Union is considering amendments to the relevant legislation, especially for drivers over the age of 65, with the aim of improving road safety.

Although no across-the-board ban has been put in place, interventions such as more strict medical examinations, restrictions on the length of daily driving hours, and even geographical restrictions for specific groups of professionals are being considered. The aim is to strike a balance between the right of citizens to maintain their professional activity and the need for increased levels of safety on the roads.

Italy is a prime example of the implementation of such measures. There, drivers over 68 years of age cannot renew licenses for heavy vehicles, buses or vehicles with trailers. This provision has been in place since 1992, but came back into play after reports of confusion.

A year ago, the idea of raising the limit to 70 years was even mooted because of the severe shortage of drivers. This phenomenon is not limited to Italy. According to a report by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), in Germany, only 2.6% of truck drivers are under 25 years old, while almost half of the industry (45%) is over 55. In 35 countries, the percentage of professional drivers under 25 is no more than 6.5%, and the IRU estimates that there are around 3.6 million drivers missing worldwide.

In Italy, the restrictions apply to Category C and D licences, necessary for passenger and freight vehicles. After the age of 65, more intensive medical checks are required, while after 68, renewal is only allowed in exceptional cases and with strict medical documentation. In contrast, category B is unaffected, allowing people over 68 to continue to drive passenger cars.

What applies in Greece

The Greek legislation also provides for similar limits. Under Article 41 of Law 4850/2021, the maximum age for driving a truck or bus – whether public or private – is 67 years. For those who drive school or tourist buses carrying schoolchildren, the limit is set at 65 years.

These limits have been introduced as a preventive measure to enhance safety, especially in cases where drivers are transporting human lives, and even children. They do not automatically presume that older drivers are unfit, but act as a precautionary measure with public safety in mind.