A new study argues that chronological age alone should not determine when someone must stop driving, urging policymakers to focus instead on functional ability. Researchers reviewed policies in 38 member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and found wide variation in age-based medical testing requirements, with some countries setting thresholds at 70 and others having no formal policies at all. The findings highlight a lack of international consensus on how to assess older drivers.

In Israel, drivers over 70 must undergo periodic medical examinations to renew their licenses, and additional vision and health checks are required from age 75. However, experts say family physicians may not be best positioned to evaluate driving fitness, and that cognitive and functional assessments are not consistently required. Data also show that only a small percentage of older drivers examined ultimately have their licenses revoked.

Lead researcher Professor Francis Mimouni emphasized that cognitive and physical functioning, not age, should guide decisions. He noted that some people develop dementia in midlife while others remain mentally sharp into their 90s. Health officials are working to reform the evaluation system, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure that relevant medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease or lasting stroke effects are properly reported, with the goal of balancing road safety and personal independence.