2024-02-16 23:05:00
Is a medical examination required for a driving license in Europe? This February, the question occupies the European Parliament responsible for the final vote. Originally, it was a health exam reserved for older people. But ideas and texts have evolved. The bill now recommends a visit for all drivers, to be renewed every 15 years.
Drivers are getting older, but so are the laws. In Europe, when it comes to driving licenses, each country does as it wants. Belgium and France do not impose any medical checks. Whereas among the Dutch, Italians or Greeks, over the age of 65, you have to go to the doctor.
60 deaths per day in Europe
It is this lack of harmonization that angers Karima Delli. President of the Transport Commission in the European Parliament, she drafted the bill: “ The rules in force are outdated, they date from 2006. In Europe, did you know that 60 people die every day on the roads? The priority is safety on our roads. My bill proposes a medical examination for drivers, to be renewed every 15 years. Take vision problems, for example. Everyone can have them, young and old alike. Vision evolves and we often don’t realize it. Think about seat belts, there was a lot of protest before they became mandatory. »
Freedom of drivers
On the opposition side, we find the majority of motorist associations. They believe that every citizen is old enough to know whether or not he is able to drive. Me Rémy Josseaume is a French lawyer specializing in road safety. Contrary to what one might believe, he sees no point in changing the law: “ This proposal is a bad measure. In fact, it aims to involve the population in cases of traffic accidents, often following news stories or current events involving elderly people or, on the contrary, very young drivers. Furthermore, the doctors I interviewed do not recognize any benefit from this visit. And finally, the legal arsenal already exists in France. The prefect is able, if a risky driver is reported, to have him undergo a medical examination and thus carry out a check on driving abilities. »
Cars, but also motorcycles, buses and trucks. This European law, if passed, would require a medical examination for all drivers of these types of vehicles.
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