Right now, anyone who turns 70 must renew their driving licence every three years, but that could soon change. A series of new proposals could bring more assessments, higher costs, and stricter rules for older motorists. For older drivers, staying on the road is about more than just renewing your licence. Health issues, from eyesight to mobility, can affect your ability to drive safely, BirminghamLive reports.
With public transport and taxis not always being a convenient alternative, many older drivers still rely on their cars for independence. But with new changes in the pipeline, it’s important to know what’s coming. Age UK, which advocates for older people, says that being aware of these changes is key to making informed decisions about whether to keep driving. So, if you’re turning 70 next year, here’s what you need to know.
Driving test assessments. There’s growing pressure to introduce more regular driving assessments for older motorists to make sure they’re still safe on the road. While older drivers tend to avoid speed-related accidents, they’re 38% more likely to be involved in crashes due to poor observation. The Older Drivers Forum has been pushing for regular reviews to help prevent these types of accidents.
Sgt Owen Messenger from Devon and Cornwall Police has said: "They want to keep their driving licence for as long as possible because public transport isn't at times as good as it could be. We want to keep them safe and driving longer but making sure they are safe on the roads. For us, it's about making sure that they are still fit to drive.".
