Japan's National Police Agency (NPA) is planning to make the mandatory driving skill test stricter for drivers aged 75 and older who have a history of certain traffic violations when they renew their licenses. The move comes after data showed the current system does not adequately identify drivers at high risk of causing accidents.
Under the proposal, elderly drivers who have committed violations such as running red lights, failing to stop at designated lines, or other serious infractions would face a more rigorous practical test than current regulations require. At present, older drivers only need to undergo a written test and a health assessment to renew their licenses, and many are not given a practical driving examination unless they show clear signs of impairment.
Japanese officials are concerned about the rising number of accidents caused by elderly drivers amid the country's rapidly aging society. According to NPA data, drivers aged 75 and older account for a significant share of serious collisions, especially incidents involving pedal mix-ups—where the accelerator is pressed instead of the brake—or loss of control at intersections.
The tightening plan is expected to be opened for public comment before being formally implemented. If approved, violators could face restrictions on the duration or conditions of their license renewal, and may even be required to retake the entire driving exam if their test results are unsatisfactory. The government is also considering support measures such as encouraging elderly people to voluntarily surrender their licenses or switch to public transportation.
Additionally, the NPA has proposed strengthening the role of local police in monitoring dangerous driving behavior among this age group, while coordinating with driving schools to improve the quality of examinations. These measures are expected to take effect next year if approved by the National Diet.
