Korea to Limit Driving for Elderly

A conditional driver's license will be introduced for elderly drivers whose cognitive powers or reflexes are waning.

The National Police Agency said Monday that the rising number of senior citizens behind the wheels prompted it to propose the new requirement, which will become effective in 2025.

The conditional driver's licenses oblige holders to abide by certain limits on nighttime driving, maximum speed and other conditions.

Virtual reality will be used to assist the tests, and police will spend W3.6 billion over the next three years on developing the technology (US$1=W1,193).

The age threshold for conditional licenses was initially announced as 65. But this sparked criticism that 65 is not very old these days, so police said the limit is still under discussion.