Oldest Driver Hotspots

All around the world, ageing populations are reshaping how we live, work and travel, and this is especially evident on the roads, with more people driving over 65 than ever before. As a result, the question of how countries support their senior drivers has never been more pressing. From the independence that comes with staying behind the wheel, to the safety risks posed by old drivers in fast-changing traffic environments, the balance is a delicate one. 

As experts in understanding how car insurance can protect different types of drivers, we have explored how some countries embrace senior driver safety through robust policies and infrastructure, while others leave older motorists navigating challenges alone. So, how does Australia compare to the rest of the world? And what does the future look like for countries with ageing drivers? Let’s take a look at the top ten countries with ageing drivers and find out. 

Top 10 countries for driving over 65

To uncover which places are best prepared, we’ve created a new global index ranking 25 countries. By combining senior population data, fatality rates, public transport investment, licence renewal procedures and even sentiment analysis, this study reveals where the oldest drivers in the world are most common, and how well-supported they really are. 

Our index reveals the top ten countries for elderly motorists, highlighting where senior drivers are best supported. 

#1: Greece

Greece may have a reputation for challenging roads, but it also shows resilience in accommodating the 23.9% of the population aged 65 and over.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 24.5% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $663.39  
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 72.96 

#2: Norway

Despite having a lower elderly population with just 18.8% of citizens aged 65 and over, Norway performs well for older drivers with lower fatality rates and the highest investment in public transport.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 22.5% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $1120.42 
• Driving license renewal procedure:  Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 72.89 

#3: Australia

Despite an ageing population that gets larger each year, with 17.7% of people aged 65 and above, Australia has one of the lowest populations of older people and finds itself in the top 3 of our rankings when it comes to fully supporting senior driver safety. 

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 21.1% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $1284.86 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 64.42 

#4: Finland

Known for its progressive transport systems, Finland combines strong infrastructure with policies designed to safely support driving over 65. This is particularly important to its population, as 23.9% of people are aged 65 and over. 

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 32.4% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $583.23 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 62.22 

#5: Italy

Running from Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway is Queensland’s major north–south arterial. It’s a vital freight route but also one of the most notorious traffic hotspots in 2025 during school holidays and cyclone season, when both tourism and weather can disrupt travel.

• Number of lanes: 1 to 4
• Average peak daily traffic count: 167,648
• Negative sentiment: 18%
• Traffic and congestion mentions: 5,300
• Total score out of 100: 48.95

#6: Spain

In Spain, 21.1% of people are in the 65+ age bracket. The country’s approach to senior driver safety blends regular licence renewals with investment in road networks.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 22.8% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $166.18 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 56.91 

#7: Canada

The number of old drivers is steadily increasing in Canada, as 19.8% of people are aged 65 and over. To facilitate its ageing population, a mix of testing procedures and accessible public transport creates balance.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 21.8% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $341.21 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 55.94 

#8: Denmark

Denmark’s commitment to road safety extends to the 20.9% of people aged 65 and over, with policies that protect and empower them on the roads.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 31.5% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $640.22 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 53.20 

#9: Czechia

With robust medical checks and renewal requirements, Czechia ensures that the elderly can remain independent yet safe. Here, 20.8% of people are aged 65 and above. 

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 28%.0 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $241.51 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 50.88 

#10: Switzerland 

Rounding out the top 10, Switzerland performs well across public transport and renewal metrics. But while they have just 20% of the population aged 65 and over, they experience the highest rate of road fatalities including senior drivers, showing that there’s progress to be made.  

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 43% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $957.36 
• Renewal procedure: Yes 
• Total score out of 100: 49.3

Old drivers in the UK and the US

Beyond the top ten, let’s look at how the US, the UK and the Netherlands perform. These are countries with ageing populations but mixed results for senior drivers. 

#13: UK

While the UK has plenty of people driving over 65 (19.5% of the population is this age or above), its reliance on fewer proactive checks means it doesn’t perform as strongly as many European counterparts. 

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 22.8% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $660.6 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: No 
• Total score out of 100: 38.80 

#15: USA 

With 17.9% of people aged 65 and over, the US is held back by inconsistent state-level policies and limited public transport. 

• Road fatalities including senior drivers: 17.4% 
• Public transport spending per capita (AUD): $456.11 
• Driving licence renewable procedure: No 
• Total score out of 100: 36.15