Portuguese 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
4 comments 
At 102 Years Old, Ranulfo Custódio Alves Renews Driver’s License and Maintains Active Routine, Managing Farm and Driving Alone
Ranulfo Custódio Alves, about to turn 102, drew attention in Mato Grosso do Sul by renewing his National Driver’s License (CNH) and continuing to drive independently. His story goes beyond the renewal of a document: it represents the pursuit of independence and maintaining an active life even in advanced age.
Born in Três Lagoas, Ranulfo was born in 1923. As a young man, he moved to Camapuã in search of work. He worked in various manual jobs, accumulated wealth, and became a farmer. Throughout his life, he built a large family: he is the father of seven children, as well as a grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
Despite his age, Ranulfo maintains an active routine. He splits his time between the city, his farm, and his daughter’s house in Campo Grande.
-
Adored by more than 1.5 million fans and famous for crossing deserts and mountains with its owner, a famous dog is stolen and ends up being served in a restaurant in China.
-
Son of a Chinese immigrant who sold tea in the countryside of São Paulo, Zhang Ye almost went bankrupt in 2021 and today, at 28 years old, claims to earn 1 million reais per day and has become the number 1 on TikTok Shop in Latin America.
-
A shipbuilder created a wooden boat so ingenious that it turns into a wheelbarrow and crosses hundreds of meters of beach on its own when the low tide takes the water away.
-
Zawoja, the longest village in Poland, stretches for 18 km between mountains, can take an entire day to cross on foot, and brings together houses, roads, and strips of land in one of the most curious rural formats in Europe.
He continues to manage his properties and make financial decisions. Even with advancing age, he refuses unnecessary help, keeping control of his own routine and decisions.
For Ranulfo, the driver’s license holds a meaning that goes beyond the value of a simple document. It symbolizes the freedom to go and come as he pleases.
His children have suggested that he hire a driver, but he insists on driving alone. He argues that he does not want to depend on others or waste time waiting for someone to take him where he wants to go.
Renewing his driver’s license in old age requires care and compliance with legal demands. Ranulfo took the medical exams with confidence and good humor.
After passing, he celebrated the new validity period of three years. His disposition and mental clarity caught the attention of Detran-MS employees and the local population.
The Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) stipulates that, starting at age 70, drivers must renew their CNH every three years.
This rule aims to balance traffic safety with the right of the elderly to remain active. The requirement for a medical evaluation ensures that the driver is fit to drive safely.
In Mato Grosso do Sul, there is also a financial incentive for the elderly. The state offers discounts on CNH renewal fees for older individuals. This measure facilitates access to the document and values the active role of the elderly in traffic and society.
Ranulfo is part of a select group of centenarian drivers in Mato Grosso do Sul. In the state, there are other drivers over 90 who continue renewing their licenses and driving. Among them, Ranulfo is currently the oldest licensed driver.
Ranulfo’s story reignites important discussions about healthy aging, the autonomy of the elderly, and the role of public policies in supporting quality of life in later years. His journey shows that advanced age is not necessarily an impediment to independence.
Renewing his driver’s license at 102 years old represents, for Ranulfo, a reaffirmation of his history and his capacity to remain active. He becomes an example of how longevity can be accompanied by autonomy and dignity, without giving up the freedom to continue leading his own life.
What Does the Brazilian Traffic Code Say?
Driving at an advanced age in Brazil requires special attention to the driver’s health. According to the Brazilian Traffic Code, starting at 70 years old, renewal of the CNH must occur every 3 years, with mandatory medical evaluation.
These exams check physical, cognitive, and psychological conditions, ensuring that the driver maintains appropriate reflexes, vision, and judgment for safety on the road. The goal is to balance the right to mobility with the protection of all road users.
With information from Tribuna de Minas.
Primeiro precisa ver essa idade. Pessoas com 90 ou mais raramente tem documento da época em que alegam ter nascido. Seus registros foram feitos muitos anos depois da suposta data de nascimento. E é absurdo se permitir a quem tem mais de 75 anos dirigir veículos. Essas pessoas colocam em risco a integridade de outras pessoas. Por um suposto direito a esses idosos, todos nas ruas correm riscos . E esse idoso dirigindo nunca teria mais de 100 anos; pode ter uns 85.
TU.HAS.DE.SER.J0VEN.EN.EL.CUAL.S0N.VERDADERAMENTE.UN.PELIGR0.MANEJAND0.P0RQUE.LA.EXPERIENCIA.Y.SER.PRUDENTE..EN.EL.MANEJ0.TIENE.SU.ANTIGUEDAD…N0.C0M0.LA.MAY0RIA.DE.L0S.J0VENES.SE.CREEN.PIL0T0S.C0N.S0L0.PISAR.EL.ACELERAD0R
Pois é, isso é impressionante uma pessoa nessa idade ainda dirigindo para cima e para baixo…
Nunca alguém mesmo a partir dos 90 tem capacidade para guiar. Essas pessoas não tem documento da época em que alegam ter nascido. Pode ter no máximo 85 e quem dirige acima dos 75 coloca em risco as pessoas nas ruas .