Needs of older drivers should be reviewed

An RAC report on motoring shows that the elderly would support refresher driving course for their age group. Over four in five of older motorists support the idea, and over 75% of over-70s who have been driving for more than 30 years support a review of the needs of older drivers.

This could result in regular medical checks and refresher courses, but changes should be based on hard evidence and the debate led by government and society, the report said.

Statistics do show that elderly drivers are more likely to be the cause of an accident than any other age group, and 70% of drivers have concerns about older motorists on the road. With three million older motorists on the roads – and that doubling in the next 20 years – those concerns have to be worth further investigation.

Our European counterparts have some rules already in place. In Spain a driving licence is only valid for five years between 45 and 70 years of age, and only for two years after 70. Medical evidence must be presented on renewal. In France, after the age of 75, a medical test must be passed every two years to retain a licence.

Currently in the UK all that is required after 70 is a self-declaration of fitness.

A serious debate is required, said the Guardian, into the requirements of and for older drivers.

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