Reaching 100 years of age is not easy and that is why the advice of centenarians is taken into account and their stories are listened to carefully. But if they also continue to lead an active life or even drive, it is even more surprising, especially now. For this resident of Lugo, driving continues to be one of the things that allows her to maintain her autonomy, especially now that The DGT has become more demanding with those over 65 years of age on road.
That is why the case of Nieves, who at 101 years old continues driving his car through Galicia, has attracted so much attention. She got her driver’s license at age 69 out of necessity and, more than three decades later, she continues to get behind the wheel.
Its history has included programs such as ‘Malas Lenguas’, on TVE. When asked how she drives at her age, Nieves responds naturally: “Serene, calm, because if you get nervous because you see that someone who is half crazy is coming…”.
“Without a car I already know that I am worthless”
More than a hobby, for Nieves driving is a tool to continue making his life.
“Without a car I already know that I am worthless,” he admits. Of course, he assures that he is in no hurry when he hits the road: “Everywhere within 20 km”, go “anywhere”.
The car he uses is also still the first and only one he has ever owned. He bought it in 1994, when he returned from Argentina to Galicia, and he still uses it today to go out “shopping.”
“Yes, I like it. I feel very good, it’s like I’m 20 years old,” he admits.
Their trips are mainly around their surroundings, between Cospeito and Vilalba, and to run errands or visit nearby people.
Nieves is not the only elderly driver either. According to data from the DGT Driver Census collected in the information, in Spain there are more than 1.1 million people over 80 years of age with a valid license, of which more than 150,000 are over 85 and even 90 years of age.
“They gave it to me every five years. Now they give it to me for one year”
In Spain there is no maximum age from which driving is prohibited. Being able to keep the permit depends on passing the corresponding aptitude tests.
In the case of Nieves, renewals are now much more frequent.
“They gave it to me every five years. Now they give it to me for one year,” he explains.
She is aware of her age and that is why she ensures she drives slowly and carefully. But stopping doing so would have a consequence for her that goes far beyond permanently parking the car.
“Without the car I couldn’t drive myself,” she admits.
Therefore, when he thinks about the possibility that one day he will not pass the renewal of his permit, his answer is simple: “If they did not renew my license, I would have a very bad time.”
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For Nieves, keeping the card means continuing to do something as everyday as going shopping or visiting someone without having to depend on another person.