Japan's Elderly Driving Test Fails to Curb Accidents; Passers Have 2.8 Times Higher Accident Rate

A survey by Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) indicates that drivers aged 75 and older, who were required to take a 'driving skill test' during license renewal due to past traffic violations, had an accident rate 2.8 times higher than their peers who were exempt from the test within two years of passing.

According to reports from Kyodo News and Jiji Press, drivers aged 75 or older with specific violations within the last three years—such as running red lights, speeding, or illegal turns—are legally required to undergo a practical driving skill test upon renewal.

The NPA survey shows that those who passed the test had significantly higher subsequent accident rates, suggesting the test lacks sufficient screening efficacy. The NPA has initiated a review of the testing content and has established an expert committee to consider amendments to the 'Ordinance for Enforcement of the Road Traffic Act,' with a report expected by August.

The current testing system was implemented in 2022 to assess physical decline in elderly drivers. In 2025, approximately 156,513 people took the test, with a 93% pass rate. The NPA monitored 5,270 individuals who passed the test and compared them to a control group of 8,233 elderly drivers with no prior violations. Results showed that for every 100,000 drivers, the accident rate for test passers was 2.8 times higher than the control group, with the gap reaching 4.5 times among the 75-79 age bracket.