Can elderly people still drive? New system for senior driver's license renewal and how to talk about taking away the car keys
Starting May 31, 2026, Taiwan implements a new system for senior driver's license renewal: those aged 70 renew once (no test, must attend 2-hour safety lecture), those aged 75 and above renew every 3 years, must pass a cognitive function test or provide proof of no moderate or severe dementia. Whether to renew is entirely determined by the transportation authority based on medical examination and test results; family members have no legal channel to directly apply for revocation of the elderly's driver's license. If truly concerned about the elderly's driving safety, the key is to start a gentle conversation early, rather than unilaterally confiscating the car keys.
New system for senior driver's license renewal: at what age and how often?
This is the latest system effective May 31, 2026 (some old materials still refer to the old system; note that renewal should follow this):
- Ages 70-74: Renew once, must pass medical exam (valid for 3 months) + complete 2-hour senior renewal lecture (valid for 1 year), no cognitive test required, renewed license valid until age 75
- Ages 75 and above: Renew every 3 years, in addition to medical exam and lecture, must either 'pass cognitive function test' or 'provide proof of no moderate or severe dementia'
- For those holding professional licenses (taxi, bus, etc.), Article 52-1 of the Road Traffic Safety Regulations sets earlier, annual renewal thresholds (large vehicle professional drivers at 65, small vehicle professional drivers at 68), different from the 70/75 thresholds for regular car licenses; it is recommended to check with the local motor vehicle office
What does the cognitive function test involve? What happens if you fail?
The test is conducted by the motor vehicle office or designated institution, completed in 30 minutes with three parts:
- Write the current date, day of week, and location (5 questions, 4 correct to pass)
- View 10 picture cards (fruits, daily items, traffic signs, etc.), after a 2-minute distraction task, recall at least 3 items
- Clock-drawing test: draw a clock face showing a specified time
- The Highway Bureau website provides an online practice version to familiarize with the question types; if the test is failed, you will be referred to a medical facility for further cognitive assessment. If moderate or severe dementia is confirmed, the transportation authority will not renew the license for safety reasons—the official page does not specify the number of retakes or intervals; it is recommended to check directly with the local motor vehicle office
Can family members directly apply for revocation of an elderly person's driver's license?
The answer is: there is no such legal channel.
- Whether to renew is entirely determined by the transportation authority based on age-triggered medical exams and cognitive function tests; the Road Traffic Safety Regulations and the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act do not include provisions for family members to directly apply for revocation or cancellation of an elderly person's driver's license
- This is consistent with the principle explained on this site's 'Guardianship' page: Taiwan law does not automatically grant spouses or children decision-making power due to kinship; the same applies to license renewal—it is not something family members can unilaterally decide
- If the license expires due to non-renewal and the person drives, they may be fined NT$1,800 to NT$3,600; this penalty is imposed on the driver themselves, not a mechanism that family members can trigger
How to start the conversation about 'whether to take away the car keys'? First look for warning signs, avoid a single ultimatum
The AAA Foundation's LongROAD study found that 82.7% of senior drivers have never discussed driving safety with family or doctors, and most conversations (60.6%) are initiated by family members, most commonly triggered by 'concern about driving safety' (64.8%) rather than after an accident:
- Warning signs to watch for (compiled by NIA): multiple close calls, new dents or scratches, more than 2 traffic tickets in the last two years, insurance premium increases due to violations, friends or family reporting unusual driving, getting lost on familiar routes or taking detours, declining vision, hearing, or reaction time, and a doctor's recommendation to adjust or stop driving
- Communication tips: start early and have multiple conversations, don't wait for an accident to bring it up for the first time; use 'I worry about your driving safety' instead of 'You can't drive anymore'; focus on specific incidents or health conditions rather than criticizing the person; involve the elderly in planning alternatives to 'retiring from driving' rather than unilaterally announcing a decision
- AAA research also notes: one-on-one conversations are usually more effective than multiple family members 'surrounding' the person, which can trigger defensiveness or alienation
What transportation options are available after an elderly person stops driving?
Before taking away the car keys, ensure alternatives are in place:
- Most counties and cities offer senior/disabled transportation cards: for example, Taipei City's 'Senior EasyCard' is available to residents aged 65 and above (indigenous residents aged 55 and above), with monthly points for discounts on buses, MRT, highway buses, and some medical registration fees; other counties have their own senior card programs; check with the local social welfare bureau
- Rehabilitation buses: reservation-based transportation services for those with disability certificates, not simply for being elderly; if the elderly person has a disability certificate due to stroke or other reasons, assess eligibility
- Also consider family member rotation for pick-ups/drop-offs, taxi/ride-hailing services, or a mix; discussing early makes adjustment easier than being forced to change suddenly
FAQ
At what age do you need to renew a senior driver's license? How often?
Under the new system effective May 31, 2026, those aged 70 must renew once (pass medical exam, complete 2-hour safety lecture, no cognitive test required), and the renewed license is valid until age 75; from age 75, renewal is required every 3 years, and in addition to medical exam and lecture, must pass a cognitive function test or provide proof of no moderate or severe dementia.
What does the cognitive function test involve? What happens if you fail?
The test takes about 30 minutes and has three parts: write the current date, day of week, and location; recall content after viewing picture cards; and a clock-drawing test. If failed, you will be referred to a medical facility for further cognitive assessment; if moderate or severe dementia is confirmed, the transportation authority will not renew the license. The official page does not specify the number of retakes or intervals; it is recommended to check with the local motor vehicle office.
Can I directly go to the motor vehicle office to apply for revocation of my parents' driver's license?
There is no such legal channel. Whether to renew is entirely determined by the transportation authority based on age-triggered medical exams and cognitive function tests; family members cannot directly apply for revocation or cancellation of the elderly's driver's license. This is consistent with the principle of guardianship—Taiwan law does not automatically grant family members decision-making power due to kinship. If truly concerned about the elderly's driving safety, feasible approaches are communication or, depending on the situation, accompanying the elderly to face the renewal test early.
What warning signs indicate that an elderly person's driving may be unsafe?
Warning signs compiled by the National Institute on Aging include: multiple close calls, new dents or scratches on the car, more than 2 traffic tickets in the last two years, insurance premium increases due to violations, friends or family reporting unusual driving, getting lost on familiar routes, declining vision, hearing, or reaction time, and a doctor's recommendation to adjust or stop driving. If multiple signs appear, it is worth having a serious conversation or accompanying them to prepare for the renewal test early.
How can I talk to an elderly person about 'not driving anymore' without causing an argument?
Research by the AAA Foundation found that most senior drivers have never discussed driving safety with family, and waiting until a problem occurs is often too late. It is recommended to start early and have multiple conversations, using 'I worry about you' instead of 'You can't drive,' focusing on specific incidents or health conditions rather than criticizing the person, and involving the elderly in planning alternative transportation. One-on-one conversations are usually more acceptable than multiple family members speaking at once.
What transportation options are available after an elderly person stops driving?
Most counties and cities offer senior/disabled transportation cards (e.g., Taipei City's Senior EasyCard, available to residents aged 65 and above, with monthly points for discounts on buses, MRT, etc.). Those with disability certificates can also reserve rehabilitation buses. Other options include family member rotation for pick-ups/drop-offs or a mix of taxi/ride-hailing services. It is advisable to discuss alternatives before taking away the car keys to reduce concerns about losing freedom.
· This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not medical, legal, tax, or admission advice. For actual regulations and services, please refer to official announcements from competent authorities and the institutions themselves.