Japan is tightening tests for older drivers with traffic violations

Japan will tighten driving tests for drivers aged 75 and over who have a history of traffic violations, in an effort to reduce accidents caused by confusing the accelerator with the brake. The measure could be introduced next year, after authorities found that the mandatory assessment implemented in 2022 is insufficient.

The announcement was made Thursday by the National Police Agency (NPA), amid a rise in fatal accidents caused by drivers in this category, while the overall number of road deaths is falling. In 2025, 2,547 deaths were recorded in road accidents, while drivers over 75 were responsible for nearly 18% of the approximately 2,500 accidents analyzed.

The new test will target people who have violated traffic rules. In addition to coming to a complete stop and making turns, the assessment will include a direction-change exercise designed to check the accuracy of pedal use. According to the NPA, 46 fatal accidents in 2025 were caused by confusing the accelerator with the brake, 31 of which involved drivers aged 75 or over. Japan is facing a rapidly aging population. 座標? No, typo? Actually