Kazakhstan Enhances Driver Safety Rules for Elderly, Disabled

Kazakhstan is tightening regulations for elderly drivers and individuals with disabilities, requiring medical examinations every two years. Under the new rules, health data will be automatically shared between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If a driver's medical fitness cannot be confirmed or if contraindications exist, their driving privileges may be revoked. This measure acknowledges that while age alone isn't a restriction, age-related declines in vision, reaction time, and cognitive function can impact driving safety.

In Japan, drivers aged 75 and above must undergo a cognitive assessment up to six months before their license expires. This test evaluates memory and orientation through tasks like number finding, image recall with cues, and questions about the current date and time. The assessment helps identify individuals at risk of dementia, which could affect their driving ability.

The United Kingdom adopts a different approach. Upon reaching 70, a driving license automatically expires, though driving is not prohibited. Drivers must renew their license every three years, self-certifying their health status. They are also obligated to report specific diagnosed medical conditions to the relevant authorities.