One-Stop Service for Senior Driver's License Renewal Launches; Over 7,300 Renewals in First Week

(Central News Agency reporter Huang Chiao-wen, Taipei, June 6) The new system for senior driver's license renewal took effect on May 31, lowering the renewal age from 75 to 70. The Highway Bureau stated today that monitoring stations across Taiwan simultaneously launched a one-stop renewal service, holding 27 promotional events in the first week. As of June 5, 7,305 people had completed the renewal.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced three strategies for driver's license management last October. The key point of the new senior renewal system is to adjust the regular renewal age for senior drivers from 75 to 70, adopting an age-based care plan. Approximately 100,000 seniors are expected to be notified monthly to proceed with the renewal process. Seniors will receive renewal notices sent in batches by the monitoring authorities and can proceed according to the notified time.

The new senior renewal system will apply to 1.28 million people. According to a press release from the Highway Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, seniors aged 70 and above must complete a physical examination and attend a 2-hour senior renewal lecture to renew their license, which will be valid until age 75. Seniors aged 75 and above must additionally pass a cognitive function test or provide documentation proving they do not have moderate or severe dementia, after which they must renew every 3 years.

Notably, the Ministry's senior renewal spokesperson, Golden Melody and Golden Bell Award-winning singer Shen Wen-cheng, was the first to complete his health check in Taichung on the morning of June 1. He then participated in the senior renewal lecture and license renewal process at the Taichung City Monitoring Station, becoming a "model student" for the senior renewal program. He also acted as a "senior" in the afternoon session, sharing his learning experience in class to encourage seniors nationwide to renew their licenses and create a safe driving environment.

Monitoring stations across Taiwan sequentially held 27 sessions of "One-Stop Senior Renewal Service" in the first week. The Highway Bureau pointed out that under the new system, citizens must complete safety lectures. The course is designed to be easily absorbed by seniors, using case studies for explanation. One senior mentioned that he had been driving for over 40 years and thought he knew the traffic rules well, but after the class, he realized there were many new regulations to learn, especially the concepts of stopping at intersections and pedestrian priority, which are very helpful for daily driving.

To enhance convenience for seniors, the Highway Bureau stated that monitoring stations across Taiwan have been collaborating with local governments and community resources to provide lecture services at venues such as community centers, senior centers, and driving schools. They continue to promote an integrated one-stop service model, allowing seniors to complete the renewal process nearby. As of June 5, 7,305 people had completed the renewal. (Editor: Li Shuhua) 1150606