For a Category B driving licence, which most drivers of light vehicles use, there is no general age limit for driving in Portugal. The only requirement is that a driver maintains a valid licence and is deemed fit in the medical assessment required for renewal.

From the age of 70, the licence must be renewed every two years. Revalidation is not automatic, and the validity of the qualification depends on maintaining minimum physical and mental fitness conditions, Postal reports. If the state of health justifies it, the doctor may impose more frequent evaluation than every two years.

Group 1 comprises the categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, and BE, and licence renewals carried out from the age of 60 require an electronic medical certificate. This document is issued and transmitted to the IMT (Institute for Mobility and Transport) by the doctor.

Medical requirements after 70

From the age of 70, an additional requirement applies: if the assessment is not carried out by the driver’s attending physician, the driver must provide the assessing physician with a report containing information about their medical history, including cardiovascular or neurological diseases, diabetes, and psychiatric disorders.

Psychological evaluation is not mandatory for all Group 1 drivers aged 70 or older, but it may be required if considered necessary by a physician.

When licences must be renewed

For all categories in Group 1, where the driving licence was obtained up to January 1, 2013, renewal must be done before the holder turns 50, 60, 65, and 70 years old. After age 70, it must be renewed every two years.

For licences obtained between 2 January 2013 and 29 July 2016, the first renewal takes place on the date indicated on the licence. Renewals follow every 15 years until age 60, and subsequently at ages 60, 65, and 70. After that age, the interval is two years, Postal reports.

For those who obtained their driving licence on or after 30 July 2016, the general rule is revalidation every 15 years, counted from the date the licence was obtained, until the age of 60. Renewals then follow at ages 60, 65, and 70, and after that, the interval is again two years.

No automatic cut-off age

Driving with an expired licence, but one that is still eligible for renewal, can result in a fine of between 120 and 600 euros.

There is no age at which Category B licence holders are automatically prohibited from driving; the right to hold a driving licence is based on medical evaluations and renewals.

This means that an elderly driver can legally continue driving if they meet the requirements, whereas a younger driver may have their licence revoked if they no longer meet the required medical conditions.