Overview

The conversation around age-related driving assessments is gaining momentum in the UK. Recent surveys indicate a significant portion of the public supports mandatory retesting or health checks for drivers over 70, aiming to ensure road safety for all users.

Current Regulations

Licence Renewal: Drivers over 70 are required to renew their driving licence every three years, self-declaring their fitness to drive without mandatory medical or driving assessments.

Public Opinion

  • Support for Assessments: A survey by The Green Insurer revealed that 33% of UK drivers believe motorists should retake their driving test at 70, and 46% support mandatory eye tests for older drivers.
  • Generational Divide: Younger drivers are more inclined to support stricter testing measures for older drivers, reflecting concerns about age-related declines in driving abilities.

Regular eyesight tests should be part of every driver’s routine. If you are an ADI even more so. I would hazard a guess and say that if all ADI’s took an eyesight test over the next few months lives would be saved.

I do not mean that ADI’s are driving around with defective eyesight, but that an eyesight test can be a look into your general health and will be able to detect amongst other things blood pressure, glaucoma and diabetes.

I have regular tests and my optician tells me I have the start of age-related macular degeneration. Appropriate management and even more regular checks will keep me and others safe.

I and the ADINJC strongly urge you to have your eyesight checked.

The generational divide above is very interesting. The reality is that young drivers 17-24 are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. If you check out this link click here you will find that a man has to be 86 years and older to be more risky than a young man 17-24. So long as my eyesight holds out I’m good for a few years yet.

The gender divide is also interesting. Young women 17-24 are much safer than young men of a similar age.and remain so till their 50’s. Quite why that is so I can only speculate but have a click through on the link and see what you think.

Implications for ADIs

  • Refresher Courses: These are often offered by local authorities and driver disability assessment centers. They can be a source of variety in your work.
  • Policy Advocacy: Engaging in discussions about potential policy changes allows ADIs to contribute their expertise to the development of fair and effective driving assessments.

Did you know?

  • Over 5.7 million drivers in the UK are aged 70 or older (DVLA, 2024).
  • The number of drivers aged 90+ has grown by 34% over the last five years.
  • In 2023, drivers aged 70+ were involved in 13% of fatal accidents, despite being just 8% of licensed holders.

By staying informed and proactive, ADIs can support older drivers in maintaining their independence while promoting safety on the roads.

ADINJC Comment

This is an increasingly important conversation, and one we know many of our members are watching closely.

While any potential policy change must be evidence-based and fair, there is no doubt that driving ability should be continually assessed and refreshed throughout life, not just at the beginning.

We will continue to follow the debate and advocate for the central role that ADIs can play in lifelong learning and road safety for all age groups.

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