Over 65s think bad drivers of any age should be retrained

The vast majority (89%) of UK adults over the age of 65 think that it should be compulsory for anyone who has a questionable driving record to have to retake their license test, regardless of their age, according to research from Age Concern.

Age Concern opposes automatic re-sits for all older drivers as discriminatory, but would not oppose a system of retests for all those with questionable driving records regardless of age.

Of those surveyed, over half (51%) drive a car, showing just how reliant older people are on independent transport. Over one in six, however, feel discriminated against whilst on the road and the suggested retraining of older drivers could make them feel even more so.

Currently, over 5.4 million people in the UK aged over 65 hold a full UK driving licence. In September 2007, the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) proposed that special driving tests should be introduced for the over-70s to ensure they are still safe behind the wheel.

According to new figures from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), drivers over the age of 70 are significantly safer than those under 30 - and of no greater risk to other road users. These findings suggest that the special driving tests shouldn’t be specific for older people and that drivers of any age should be retested if they are of debatable competency on the road.

Antony Osborne from Age Concern Insurance Services says: “Our research shows that older people feel they shouldn’t be singled out and any questionable motorists should be retested, no matter what age they are.

“At Age Concern, we know that older people need their cars to remain independent, even if it is just to pop to the shops once a week, and can often find it frustrating obtaining car insurance. We have designed our insurance policies to meet their needs. Unlike many other insurers, we operate no upper age limits when quoting for older drivers.”

Profits generated by Age Concern Insurance Services go directly to the Age Concern charity, raising additional funds for invaluable support services such as day centres, home visits and transportation as well as helping the charity campaign for the well-being and rights of older people.

Age Concern Motor Insurance is now available online at ageconcern.org.uk/motorinsurance

Customers can pay by instalments at no extra cost.