A USwitch survey of 2,000 people has found that six in 10 motorists believe older drivers should be required to retake a driving test in later life to keep hold of their driving licence
Fresh demands are emerging for elderly drivers to retake their driving tests. A new survey of 2,000 people carried out by USwitch revealed that six in 10 (61%) motorists believe drivers over 70 should be obliged to retake a test in order to retain their driving licence.
39 per cent said older motorists between the ages of 70 and 74 should have to resit their driving tests. 48 per cent of respondents said retests should occur every 2 to 3 years.
72 per cent cite sight issues as a factor behind the calls, with cognitive decline (67 per cent) and deteriorated driving performance (58 per cent) also cited.
Uswitch insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, said: “If you haven’t received professional advice that you should stop driving, it’s your responsibility to assess your fitness to continue.
“Your biggest priority should be safety and feeling comfortable and confident behind the wheel.”
“If you’ve had close calls, accidents, get lost frequently, or notice your reaction times deteriorating, it may be a sign to stop driving.
“You could also consider taking refresher lessons or an experienced driver assessment, designed to boost confidence and reinforce safety.”
Jeff, aged 70, said: “Regular eye tests for drivers are a good idea, but starting at any specific age is arbitrary. Younger people can also develop eyesight problems. I myself started to need glasses in my 30s.
“Had I ignored the problem, I would have been as much of a danger then as I would be if I didn’t have regular eye tests now.”
70-year-old Jill added: “I’m amazed it’s not already a requirement. Gradual eyesight loss is not always noticed, and when noticed, older car-dependent people do not always act on it.
“It would be a less unpopular requirement if accompanied by affordable public transport options, for example, easy-to-access mini buses that pick up and drop off at people’s doors.”
