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Age ceiling for first-time driver's licenses scrapped

China will allow people over 70 years old to apply for their first driver's licenses as long as they are fit and healthy enough to drive safely, the Ministry of Public Security announced on Thursday.

From Nov 20, people over 70 will be allowed to apply for first-time licenses to drive small vehicles and mopeds, the ministry said at a news conference in Beijing.

Applicants will be required to pass assessments of their memory, judgment and reactions, as well as having annual health checkups and submitting the results, it said.

Considering the increasing life expectancy and improving health of Chinese people, more seniors will need to drive or learn to drive, said Liu Yupeng, an official with the ministry, adding that the move is aimed at meeting new demands from the nation's aging population.

The upper age limit for applicants for driver's licenses for large and medium-sized passenger or freight vehicles will be raised from 50 to 60, the ministry said.

Xinhua contributed to this story.