ELDERLY DRIVERS

There are primarily two groups of people who have to re-take their driving test. Those who have failed the test and those who have been required to take the Test again under the New Driver Act. To this could soon be added, people over 75. Although at present, the only requirement for people to continue driving is that they are in good health, all that could change.

It could soon be that motorists aged 75 and over could face five-yearly cognitive and eyesight tests to assess their ability to drive safely.

Whilst some people are up in arms over such proposals, others are asking why should these tests be only for elderly drivers?

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) amongst others believes these types of tests should be made available or even compulsory to all drivers.

If the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) proposals are given the go-ahead, motorists aged 75 and over would have to visit an assessment centre and complete a ½ hour paper based test designed to examine their fitness to drive. They would then have to pass an eyesight test before obtaining a driving licence for a further five years. There are those who feel that a paper test does not go far enough and that they should instead have to undertake a practical driving test.

Under the current system all drivers must renew their licences at the age of 70 and then every three years. There is no independent assessment of ability unless the DVLA is contacted by relatives or doctors to say the person is no longer fit to be driving.

There are more than 1½ million drivers aged 75 and over on UK roads and this is an increasing figure

Research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists suggests that elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions causing death or injury as they have slower reaction times, take longer to spot hazards and are more likely to become confused by traffic rules and road layouts.

No final decison has yet been made on these proposals.