Medical examination requirements for elderly commercial drivers could be relaxed

The government originally planned to require commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 and above to undergo annual medical examinations.

It is understood that the authorities are considering relaxing this requirement to "two examinations every five years," while maintaining the requirement of "one examination per year" for those aged 70 and above.

The taxi and minibus sectors believe this will help alleviate the shortage of drivers, but some members of the public are concerned about potential road safety risks.

Traffic accidents involving elderly drivers have occurred frequently in recent years.

In this month alone, at least three serious traffic accidents involving commercial vehicle drivers aged 65 and above have occurred, two of which resulted in fatalities.

The government consulted the Legislative Council three years ago, proposing to tighten the medical examination certificate requirements for commercial vehicle drivers.

It was suggested that the age threshold for medical examinations be lowered from 70 to 65, with annual examinations required for license renewal, but the legislative timetable has been repeatedly postponed.

It is understood that, due to industry opposition, the government's latest proposal is to change it to "two examinations every five years": drivers will have one examination at age 65, another at age 68, and only annual examinations at age 70.