Older drivers can often be more cautious and considerate when they're driving – they typically have many years of experience. But they may also need to take more care on the road, as vision, hearing and responses can be affected by age.
What can you do to stay safe on the road?
- Get your eyes tested regularly and make sure your prescription is correct.
- Have regular hearing tests.
- Use medication correctly and be aware of how it could affect your driving.
- Look out for vehicles entering the road, pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars.
- Check your rear-view mirror and outside mirrors frequently.
- Maintain your three-second stopping distance.
- When driving in the rain or in winter, reduce your speed and increase following distance.
- Avoid driving at dusk or dawn when visibility is poorer.
- Avoid driving for long periods of time.
- Minimise background noise: keep radio, air conditioning and heaters low or off.
- Never drive after drinking.
This general advice should be followed by all drivers, not just the elderly. It's likely things you already know, but a gentle reminder doesn't hurt.
Should older drivers re-take their driving test?
There are many ways to ensure the safety of older drivers, including:
- imposing restrictions on when people can drive
- encouraging older drivers to go on a refresher course
- making it compulsory for all drivers above a certain age to re-take their test
However, you could also argue that a compulsory test for drivers over 70 would be unfair – after all, there are plenty of so-called dangerous drivers in younger age groups too.
The current driving rules for older drivers
Under the current UK licensing system, drivers over 70 need to apply to renew their licence and complete a self-declaration of fitness to drive, although they don't have to complete a test.
They then have to re-apply for their licence every 3 years.
One criticism often levelled at the current system is that the UK driving licence is ‘all or nothing' so once granted, the holder is entitled to drive anywhere in Europe and the wider world – assuming they have an international driving licence.
This differs from the systems in the US and Australia where drivers are restricted as to where they can drive once they reach a certain age.
As an older driver, can I get help?
Although over 70s aren't required to retake a driving test, you may wish to look into a Driver Assessment. This could give you some driving tips and peace of mind that your driving remains up to scratch.
You'll find more information on RoSPA's Older Drivers website.
If you're worried about an elderly relative, or think it's time they stopped driving, there's some useful advice from Age UK around how to broach the subject with them.
