Such incomplete sentences are often used to spread panic and generate clicks. Good news: In most countries (including Portugal and Brazil), there is no general ban on driving based on age. Driving licenses depend on physical and mental fitness, not age.

Such sensational news is usually simply a change in the rules for renewing and testing a driver’s license:

What does this mean exactly?

In Portugal: From the age of 70, driving licenses must be renewed every two years (and no longer every five) and a positive medical certificate is required. The recent debate arose from a public petition (without the force of law) that proposed an age limit and caused a great stir in the media.

In Brazil: From the age of 70, the maximum validity of a driver’s license is only 3 years (instead of 5 or 10 years). A physical and mental fitness test conducted by the Detran (Vehicle Registration Office) is mandatory for each renewal of the driver’s license.

In general, as long as a driver passes vision, reflexes and general health tests, he or she can legally drive at the age of 70, 80 or over 90.

Where did you see this headline – on a social network or a news portal?