Driving licence validity by country
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
Driving licence validity compared across countries: Validity of a car licence, medical check for renewal, rules for older drivers, who renews the licence, driving with an expired licence. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Validity of a car licence | Medical check for renewal | Rules for older drivers | Who renews the licence | Driving with an expired licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Max 10 years | Health declaration from 75 | 5-year licences from 70 | Municipality / RDW online | Fine if no valid licence |
| United Kingdom | Licence validity, Great Britain: Renew every 10 years | Licence validity, Great Britain: Eyesight standard at 70+ | Licence validity, Great Britain: Every 3 years from 70 | Licence validity, Great Britain: DVLA | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Spain | 10 years (5 from age 65) | Yes, at each renewal | 5-year validity from 65 | Provincial traffic offices | Permit seized; no right to drive |
| Italy | 10 years (5 from 50, 3 from 70) | Yes, at each renewal | Every 2 years from 80 | Motorizzazione (Dipartimento) | EUR 158 to 638 and withdrawal |
| Ireland | Up to 10 years (under 65) | Doctor's certificate from 75 | 3-year licences from 72 | RSA / NDLS | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Portugal | ⚠ Not yet verified | From age 60 | Medical certificate from 60 | IMT | Offence; exam after 2 years |
| Denmark | 15 years | Only if health-limited | No age rule for category B | Municipality | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Finland | 15 years, max to age 70 | Certificate only if renewed after age 70 | 5 years if issued at 65+ | Traficom | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Norway | Card valid 15 years | Certificate at 80+ | Health certificate at 80 | Statens vegvesen | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Japan | 5/4/3 years by age and record | Aptitude test at every renewal | Course at 70+, cognitive test at 75+ | Prefectural public safety commission | ⚠ Not yet verified |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.