Survey: Competency Test for Elderly Drivers?

 

A recent Newswav poll of nearly 4,000 voters shows that Malaysians are divided on whether senior citizens should be required to undergo competency tests when renewing their driving licences. The largest group, 38%, said no testing is needed regardless of age, while 53% supported testing after age 70. The results reflect mixed public sentiment on a proposal being studied by the Ministry of Transport, which is considering assessments for older drivers to ensure road safety.

 

The debate over senior drivers’ competency has been gaining attention. This is especially after the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) highlighted that age-related declines in vision, reflexes, and coordination could affect driving ability. The Transport Ministry has said it welcomes the discussion but stressed that further study is required before any policy is introduced. 

The idea is not to penalise senior citizens but to ensure they can continue driving safely. Countries such as Japan, Singapore and the UK already require medical or competency checks for older drivers, and Malaysia is exploring whether similar measures are needed. 

The poll results suggest that Malaysians recognise both sides of the debate. Many agree that testing could help prevent accidents among seniors with reduced capabilities, while others believe age alone should not determine driving competency. 

For example:

·      Supporters of earlier testing argue that checks on eyesight, coordination, and basic driving skills from age 50 onwards could ensure all drivers remain competent.

·      Others suggested introducing medical or vision tests every few years, rather than relying only on age as the benchmark.

·      Some also felt that stricter rules should apply to drivers with repeated traffic offences, regardless of age. 

On the other hand, many respondents believe that reckless driving is more often linked to younger motorists rather than seniors. Comments pointed out that older drivers may be slower, but they are often more careful on the road. 

The poll shows that Malaysians are far from unanimous on this issue. While many see competency testing for seniors as a reasonable step for road safety, an even larger share believes driving ability should not be judged based on age alone. The study does not cover how many accidents are caused by senior citizens and its proportion to total number of accidents. In many families, younger family members will stop parents from driving if they know their medical condition may impact lives on the road.  Unless the problem is significant, it is not worth pursuing. That’s from a senior citizen. 

Reference:

Survey: Nearly 40% Say No Competency Test Needed for Elderly Drivers, Newswav,
20 August 2025