José Antonio Rivero Mañé, known as Pepe, has renewed his driving licence at 99, just weeks before his 100th birthday. The retired engineer from Corbins, Lleida, continues to drive safely, highlighting Spain’s approach to age and road safety. The DGT confirms there is no maximum age for drivers.
José Antonio Rivero Mañé, better known as Pepe, has secured another year on the road after renewing his driving licence at the age of 99. With his 100th birthday approaching on August 22, Pepe remains legally able to drive, a decision that underscores both his personal determination and the flexibility of Spanish traffic regulations.
Pepe, a retired technical engineer who spent decades working for Renfe, lives in Corbins, Lleida, with his wife. According to an interview published by La Vanguardia, he still drives into Lleida on Fridays to shop, motivated by a desire to stay independent. “I don’t want to depend on my children,” he explained, reflecting a sentiment shared by many older Spaniards who value autonomy in daily life.
Licence Renewal at 99
Pepe’s case has drawn attention not only for his age but for his continued ability to meet the medical and psychophysical requirements set by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). After passing the necessary tests, he was granted a one-year renewal. On the national program Y ahora Sonsoles (Antena 3), his story reached a wider audience, with Pepe noting he has driven more than two million kilometers and feels as fit as a man of 70.
No Maximum Age for Drivers
Spanish law does not impose a maximum age for holding a driving licence. The DGT emphasizes that the key factor is the driver’s health and ability, not their age. For most licences, renewals are valid for ten years until age 65, after which the period drops to five years. However, if medical checks reveal conditions that require closer monitoring, the renewal period can be shortened, as in Pepe’s case.
During his latest renewal, Pepe was asked about his medication and medical history. He admitted his eyesight is not as sharp as it once was, but he still meets the requirements. The DGT allows for individual adjustments to the renewal period based on health, and drivers can consult official guidelines to see which conditions may affect their eligibility.
A Life on the Rails and the Road
Pepe’s connection to transport began long before retirement. He joined Renfe in 1951 as a boiler assistant, later qualifying as an industrial technical engineer and eventually managing rolling stock maintenance in Catalonia until his retirement in 1988. His first car was a second-hand Seat 600, and he continues to use his vehicle for specific trips.
Contrary to some reports, Pepe has experienced both an accident and a speeding fine in recent years, details he clarified in his interview. Having surpassed 70, he is exempt from the DGT’s renewal fee, though he still pays for the required medical examination—a benefit established by Spanish traffic law for senior drivers.
Context and Significance
Pepe’s story highlights the Spanish approach to ageing and mobility: ability, not age, determines a person’s right to drive. While his case is exceptional, it reflects a broader reality in Spain, where many seniors continue to drive safely thanks to regular medical checks and flexible regulations. For families and older drivers, the message is clear—independence remains possible as long as health and safety standards are met.
