How Long Driver’s Licences Last Globally and When Age Matters

Explore how long driver’s licences remain valid in different countries and how age-based rules impact renewal policies worldwide.

Getting a driver’s licence often feels like earning a long-term pass to freedom. But not every country sees it that way. While some nations hand out licences valid for over a decade, others ask drivers to renew every few years. The story gets even more nuanced with age: some places introduce strict rules once you turn 70. Let’s explore how driver’s licence validity differs around the globe—and what role age plays in it.

The Champions of Longevity

Germany is particularly generous: licences are valid for 15 years with no health checks or exams required—just renew the document when time’s up. The UK follows a slightly different model: a full licence lasts until age 70, but your photo must be renewed every 10 years. At 70, a new chapter begins—drivers must renew every three years, regardless of their driving history.

Arizona, USA, stands out with one of the longest no-renewal periods: a licence issued in your 20s remains valid until you’re 65. After that, drivers need to renew every five years and pass a vision test.

Gulf states are also on the liberal side. In the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, citizens receive licences valid for 10 years. In Oman, it’s the same for nationals, while expats must renew every two years.

The 5–10 Year Middle Ground

Many developed countries have found a balanced rhythm. Ireland and the Netherlands offer 10-year licences, as does New Zealand. These extended validity periods reduce bureaucracy while maintaining oversight.

In Canada and Australia, rules vary by province or state. Some regions offer 5-year licences, others go up to 8 or 10. This flexibility helps address local needs more effectively.

Short-Term Licences and Frequent Renewals

At the other end, we find countries like South Africa and Indonesia, where licences are only valid for five years. While this can help authorities monitor drivers more closely, it also places a regular administrative burden on millions.

When Age Becomes the Driving Force

As drivers age, rules often change. Iceland has a clear age-based schedule: 15-year validity until 70, then it gradually shrinks—four years, three, two—and from 80 onward, licences must be renewed annually.

Greece has a similar setup: 15 years up to age 65, three years until 80, then down to two-year renewals.

In the UK, drivers over 70 must renew every three years. For those holding C1 or D1 categories (like buses or trucks), a medical exam is required after 70.

India takes a tiered approach. If you get your licence before 30, it’s valid until you’re 40. After that, renewal periods adjust based on age—10 years, then 5 as you approach your sixties.

China recently raised its upper age limit for obtaining a commercial driver’s licence—from 60 to 63. Older drivers can still renew for three years, provided they pass medical and cognitive exams.

Final Thoughts

The duration of a driver’s licence isn’t just administrative—it reflects a country’s approach to balancing personal freedom and public safety. Age limits add another layer: they show how societies aim to keep people mobile, while mitigating the risks of aging.

One emerging trend is clear: the shift from age-based rules to health-based evaluations. It's not how old you are that matters, but how well you can respond behind the wheel. That’s likely the direction global policies will continue to move in.