A new study has highlighted the shortcomings in Swiss driving aptitude tests for seniors, proposing a more ‘standardised’ approach instead. But what are the current rules?
Until December 2018, residents over the age of 70 who wished to continue driving in Switzerland had to undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness to operate a motor vehicle.
The law that went into effect on January 1st, 2019 raised the ‘test age’ to 75, on the grounds that senior citizens were fitter and in better health than ever before and – based on statistics – were less often involved in road accidents than young drivers.
But though the new legislation raised the age treshold, it did not elilminate the need for driving aptitude tests to be carried out every two years.
Lack of uniform rules
However, given Switzerland’s federalist nature of governance, these testing procedures are decentralised, lacking consistent and unified regulations applicable throughout the country.
A new study carried out by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) found that the current testing practice is fragmented and varies depending on the canton, language region, and professional group responsible for testing.
This lack of standardisation means that “there is currently no fair, reliable, and scientifically-based assessment of driving aptitude in Switzerland,” said the study’s leader, Brigitte Gantschnig.
Emphasis should therefore be on introducing “a harmonised process and clear rules across Switzerland,” she added.
This is imperative because “driving is a demanding skill that requires attention, processing speed, executive functions, and motor coordination.”
How are older drivers currently tested?
According to Gantschnig, “the initial assessment involves administering a cognitive test to determine driving aptitude. To ascertain whether a person can drive or not, a test originally developed to detect dementia is used.”
However, “while cognitive tests can provide indications of limitations, they alone do not allow for a reliable assessment of how safely someone drives in real-world traffic,” she pointed out.
What improvements to the current system does the report suggest?
There is currently a lack of sufficiently trained specialists across Switzerland, as well as a legally binding, standardised procedures, the study found.
Therefore, a mandatory training should be implemented for physicians who conduct driving aptitude tests for individuals over 75.
Further, more emphasis should be placed on standardised driving assessments in real-world traffic, which is currently not always the casse.
“The so-called competency drives are particularly important when cognitive impairments are suspected or have already been confirmed,” the report notes.
“We are convinced that assessing driving aptitude on the road would reduce accidents, and the overall cost to society,” Gantschnig said.
In conclusion, the report suggests incorporating the proposals into a national strategy, with the aim to harmonise the process across Switzerland
