What is the minimum and maximum age to obtain a driver’s license?

There have been intense days of inspection in the streets of the capital, during which it has been discovered that a large number of motorists are circulating without up-to-date papers, either for the car or for the driver himself. even. By this we refer to the driving license, many of which today have expired, after the end of the extension period granted by the pandemic, which has led to the collapse of the services responsible for renewing said license in the municipalities. What is the fine if I don’t have a driver’s license? Can I have documents in digital format?

Beyond this problem, which until now has not yet been solved, the hashtag “driver’s license” has also been talked about lately because of the minimum and maximum ages to obtain it. Regarding the first, the debate was generated on Twitter, after a scene from the Mega TV series “Como La Vida Misma”, where a young man appeared, in school uniform, driving his own car.

It was then that, among users of the blue bird social network, the question arose of the minimum age to obtain a driving license in Chile. In this regard, and according to traffic law among the requirements to obtain a Class B non-professional driver’s license (motorized three- or four-wheeled vehicles), is be at least 18 years old and have a basic education diploma.

However, exceptionally, a driving license may be issued to persons over 17 years of age. Among the requirements are being old at the time of taking the test, having passed the course at a driving school and having the express authorization of one’s legal representatives.

This license authorizes the minor only to drive with a licensed adult more than five years.

At the age of 18, this last requirement “extinguishes by the simple application of the law”, without having to renew your driver’s license.

In the event that a minor is caught driving without company, “they will be considered an unlicensed driver for all legal purposes”, forcing the carabinieri to withdraw his license.

With regard to this exception for persons over 17 years of age, Alberto Escobar, Responsible for mobility of the Automobile Club of Chile and specialist in road safety of the institution, points out that: “Intellectual maturity is the key to good driving, therefore, the more learning is delayed, the better the condition of the future motorist. We must not forget that a real driver is one who has traveled more than 100,000 kilometers and in Chile we still see that this document is a right, whereas it is really a privilege”.

Last year, several Italian media covered the case of Candida Urdezo, who, having just turned 100, has decided to renew his license to maintain his independence, at least until 2024. Date on which he should retake a medical examination, which shows that he is in perfect condition to continue driving . That’s what the law of this country dictates, with the over 80s.

In this regard, what does the law say in Chile? Are there any additional requirements senior citizens must meet when renewing their license in our country? The answer is no. Basically, when it comes to a renewal the rules that apply are the same for all ages, since the The only test that is passed is the psychotechnical test .

However, the period for which the license is renewed is solely at the physician’s discretion. responsible for carrying out the test because there is no rule that says those who are over a certain age can only renew it for a shorter term than usual.

On the other hand, there is also no age limit for obtaining a permit. The highway code only establishes minimum ages to obtain a driving license, being different depending on the class of license .

In this regard, Karina Muñoz, Executive Secretary of Conaset: “We are always evaluating the requirements and conditions required to grant a driving license. First, because driving is above all an act of responsibility and prudence. In this line, The Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications – in collaboration with the Ministry of Health – has prepared and published an instruction to support doctors in psychotechnical offices who suggest certain tests to be applied to the elderly. For example, related to information processing speed and executive function. This can be measured through a series of tests associated with driving ability: TMT B and A, the clock test, MVPT, ROCF, PASAT and UFOV7. The MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) exam allows a global cognitive assessment and is validated in Chile”.

Last week was introduced the bill titled Jacinta, named after the little girl who died in August 2022 after being knocked down in an accident caused by an 80-year-old driver.

More specifically, this law aims prevent older people – because of their advanced age and the deterioration of their health and abilities – from driving and endangering their lives and those of others.

The text stipulates that if a person suffers from an illness or disorder that could be considered disabling, he must submit a report from the attending physician certifying that the deficiency is compensated and that he is in normal health conditions and under periodic control, which must accompany with examinations.

People over 65 must enclose a certificate issued by a geriatrician or neurologist who certifies that the license applicant has all his physical and motor capacities suitable for driving a motor vehicle and that he does not suffer from any disease the treatment of which affects in any way his psychomotor capacity.

The doctor who issues a false certificate or report will be sanctioned with a fine of 200 UTM In the event of an accident resulting in serious or very serious injuries and 500 CHU if the accident results in death.