Fact-check: No new rules for elderly drivers to renew licence

A petition opposing the government’s alleged plan to take away driving licences of senior citizens has garnered at least 4,000 signatures in a matter of days, but the allegation is untrue.

In fact, the Road Transport Department (RTD) has been rebutting these claims since November.

RTD director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli in November said there was no directive on setting additional competency tests for drivers aged 65 and above seeking to renew their licence.

The rumours started circulating on social media amid discussion on whether such tests should be imposed for senior drivers.

On Nov 25, a reporter at a press conference asked Transport Minister Anthony Loke if the ministry would take up this suggestion.

“We need to study this report (proposing extra tests for those aged 65). We are not in a rush to set any extra conditions (on senior citizens).

“There will definitely be implications so we have to consider the pros and cons of setting additional conditions,” Loke replied.

Yesterday, the RTD again stressed that no extra tests will be required for senior citizens wanting to renew their driving licences, further assuring there was no risk of having their licences cancelled.

This is after a social media post on the issue went viral again this week.

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