Peter Moore: Should we retest older drivers?

A few years ago, when driving behind a slow elderly driver, I would mentally moan. They shouldn’t be driving at this age. Now I’m in my seventies, surprisingly, I take a slightly different view. 

Brussels is proposing new EU rules to make every driver over 70 undergo regular assessments and renew their licence every five years. The actual assessment required would be decided by each individual country.  The German transport minister has described the proposals as “inhumane” although several countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Portugal already have similar rules. In Germany once someone has passed their driving test they can continue to drive most vehicles, including lorries up to 7.5 tonnes for the rest of their life. The German government has made it clear that they will block any proposal to enforce further testing on older drivers so it may not happen. 

Here in the UK everyone over 70y has to renew their driving licence but there is no need to have any tests, although drivers of all ages must tell the DVLA of any medical condition which might affect driving. 

Although we are no longer bound by EU legislation should we adopt a similar idea in the UK? There has been a large increase in the number of older drivers on the road. Is it time we checked their health?

Any road safety legislation needs to be based on evidence not prejudice. Many younger drivers moan about us oldies but that is not a reason for a new law. The drivers most likely to be in an accident are men between 17 and 25.

They are also more likely to have a serious accident, often at speed.  The risk falls with age and the safest drivers are between 40 and 50. 

We also know that the brain does not fully develop until 25. Young men under 25 are far more likely to take risks and this danger is far worse if they have their friends in the car. It could also be the reason why it was young men in the Battle of Britain in 1940 who took incredible risks and helped save the country from invasion.  In some countries such as New Zealand newly qualified drivers cannot share the car with their young mates. 

The dangers do increase with age, although not to the level of the under 25s. However, as always, statistics are difficult. An elderly person is more likely to be killed than a younger person with a similar injury because many already have a medical problem. Many older people do not drive as far as other people and many avoid busy times or driving at night. A travelling salesman driving 20,000 miles a year will be on the road far longer than an elderly person who only goes to the shops. 

There are some specific medical problems common in older drivers but all of these should be declared when reapplying for a licence. Eyesight is a major problem. Some accidents are caused when the older driver was coming onto a major road and did not see the other vehicles. I do see my optician every year and know that I am safe to drive but should he give me a certificate to send off with my driving licence application?

The driver also needs to be responsible and understand when it is not a good idea to drive. As well as my car driving test I also passed my test on a little 50cc Honda back in the 1970s.  In those days there was only one test for motor bikes. My licence still says I could ride any motorcycle but if I leapt on a massive motor bike and powered up to the M5 I would probably be killed fairly quickly. I can also drive a tractor but that would be a far greater risk to others than to me. 

Should we retest older drivers? Not according to the figures, but perhaps a note from the optician might be a good idea.