Motorists call for automatic re-testing at 70

Almost two thirds of drivers would be happy to re-sit their test when they reach 70 - even if it means them potentially failing!

The online poll by Motorpoint, the UK’s car supermarket, found the majority of motorists would like to see the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) make it compulsory for them to re-do their driving test when they reach 70. Some 900 people took part in the poll.

Although there is no research to indicate that drivers become unable to drive safely at a specific age, recent tests by the Transport Research Laboratory have shown that, on average, the over-55s take 22% longer to react than drivers under-30. This would add 25ft (or two car lengths) to the stopping distance if braking at 70mph.

Says David Shelton, Managing Director of Motorpoint: “The results of this poll show that people are honest enough to recognise their driving ability does deteriorate with age and that maybe the Government should consider mandatory re-testing at a certain age in the future.”