A majority of UK motorists believe older drivers should be required to retake their driving test or have a refresher assessment.

According to new research from Uswitch, concerns are growing about road safety and the challenges of ageing behind the wheel.

With busier roads, changes to road systems and even dazzling headlights, questions are being raised about whether we need to refresh our driving knowledge and skills as we get older.

Too old to drive?

The new Uswitch survey found that 61% of drivers support retesting for senior motorists once they reach a certain age, signalling a clear shift in public opinion.

Support for action is particularly strong among younger drivers, with 88% of those aged 25 to 34 in favour, compared with just 31% of motorists aged 65 and over.

The findings come as the government considers potential changes to road safety laws affecting drivers aged 70 and above, including stricter checks at licence renewal.

With car use essential for personal independence – especially for older members of the community – but set against a more complex and busier motoring environment, pressure is building for some sort of compulsory refresher lessons or testing.

The aim would be to ensure older drivers are up to date with the skills, knowledge and abilities needed to remain safe behind the wheel.

When and why

Among those who support reassessment, the most commonly suggested age range for retesting is 70–74, backed by 39% of respondents.

There is also strong support for ongoing checks rather than a one-off test, with 90% saying retesting should be repeated regularly.

Nearly half (48%) believe reassessments should take place every two to three years, aligning with the current requirement for over-70s to renew their licence every three years – though at present this does not involve any formal driving test.

Safety concerns are at the heart of public support.

The research highlights several age-related factors that motorists believe can impact driving ability.

The most commonly cited issue was slower reaction times, mentioned by 74% of respondents.

This was followed closely by sight problems (72%) and cognitive decline, such as memory loss or confusion (67%).

Other concerns included deteriorating driving performance (58%), reduced attention (57%), worsening physical health (57%) and declining mobility (48%).

A significant number also pointed to a lack of awareness of updated road rules (45%) and the challenges posed by modern car technology (31%).

A smaller proportion (23%) said changes to the driving test itself were a reason older drivers should be reassessed.

Seeing the changes

Vision emerged as a particularly important issue.

More than four in five motorists (83%) support the government’s proposal to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers at age 70 and at every subsequent licence renewal.

This reflects growing recognition that good vision is essential for safe driving, particularly as eyesight can deteriorate gradually with age.

The research also sheds light on how modern vehicles are affecting older drivers.

Among those aged over 60, 70% said new cars have too many technological features, which they find confusing.

More than a third (36%) admitted they do not feel confident using these features, highlighting a potential gap between rapidly evolving vehicle technology and driver familiarity.

This discomfort is influencing buying decisions.

Nearly one in five (19%) older drivers said they would consider purchasing an older car to avoid advanced technology, while 9% would delay or avoid buying a new vehicle altogether.

More dangerous?

Despite public concern, the broader safety picture is complex.

Official figures show that older motorists are not responsible for the majority of crashes.

In fact, they tend to have lower collision rates overall than many other age groups, partly because they drive fewer miles and often avoid higher-risk situations such as night driving or busy urban traffic.

Where older drivers stand out is in the severity of outcomes when collisions do occur.

They account for a disproportionately high share of fatalities – around a quarter of driver deaths in recent years involve those aged 70 and over.

This is largely due to increased physical vulnerability.

Older people are more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries in a crash, even when the collision itself is relatively minor.

By contrast, younger drivers – particularly those aged 17 to 24 – have significantly higher crash rates per mile travelled and are over-represented in serious collisions.

Risk-taking behaviour, inexperience and distraction are key factors behind this trend.

Staying safe

Leoni Moninska, insurance expert at Uswitch, believes older drivers could and should take proactive steps to ensure they remain safe on the road.

She emphasises the importance of declaring medical conditions to the DVLA, noting that it is a legal requirement for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy or a history of strokes.

Failing to do so could result in fines or invalidated insurance.

Regular eye tests are particularly important but are easy to arrange and generally free for older drivers.

Drivers are also encouraged to regularly assess their own ability, particularly if they experience near-misses, accidents, or find themselves getting lost or reacting more slowly.

Refresher lessons or professional driving assessments can help maintain confidence and safety, and local authorities often have recommended driver trainers for this purpose.

Moninska added that practical adjustments can also make a difference, such as using mobility aids or supportive accessories to improve comfort and ease while driving.

National debate

With more people driving later into life, the question of how to balance independence with safety is becoming increasingly urgent.

The Uswitch findings suggest ongoing and strengthening public backing for tighter rules, particularly around retesting and eyesight checks.

With the government currently consulting on its proposed changes to motoring in its Road Safety Strategy, this issue is likely to be part of the conversation.

However, it is important to underline a more nuanced reality: while ageing can affect driving ability, risk on the road depends on a combination of health, behaviour, experience and the actions of other road users, rather than age alone.

Mature driver conference

Road Safety GB’s upcoming Mature Drivers’ Conference is a perfect opportunity to gain a greater understanding of this issues, and learn new skills to help older drivers.

The conference, hosted by Road Safety GB and supported by GEM Motoring Assist, The Road Safety Trust & Waymo, is being held at Austin Court in Birmingham on 28 April 2026.

It brings together road safety professionals and others committed to supporting mature drivers to maintain their independence while at the same time enhancing their safety.

Find out more here.