A Study on the Factors to Return the Driver’s License for the Elderly Driver Using Extanded Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB)

As the aging phenomenon intensifies, social problems caused by aging drivers continue to increase, and their severity is also substantial. In order to cope with such problems, many local governments have undertaken efforts to induce older adult drivers to return their driver’s licenses, but the effect has not been noticed so far. The return of the driver’s license to the older adult driver cannot be compulsory and is determined only by the will of the older adult driver. Therefore, it is necessary to check which consciousness of older adult drivers influence their intention to return their driver’s licenses. In this study, based on the extended theory of planned behavior, a structural equation model was used to examine factors affecting older adults’ intention of returning their driver’s licenses. As a result of the analysis, perceived behavioral control had the most influence, followed by attitude toward the behavior, subjective norm, and benefits for returning a driver’s license. On the other hand, it was found that deterioration of physical ability did not affect the intention to return the driver’s license. Based on the results of this study, it is believed that policies are needed to induce changes in consciousness by allowing older drivers themselves to accept changes caused by aging and to be aware of the effects of these changes on driving. And the application of various policies together should be considered, rather than continuing the monetary benefit provision policy by many local governments as a single major policy. It is also necessary to make older drivers aware that the decline in physical and judgment has a significant impact on driving behavior, which requires complex behaviors and judgment.