Should older drivers face another driving test?

This question continues to be asked as the number of older drivers over the age of 70 rises incrementally.

A new public survey suggests it’s time for a change.

Best before

According to an article in Road Safety GB news, a new survey has suggested that more than two-thirds (67%) of drivers in the UK believe that once licence holders reach a certain age, they should be required to retake their practical driving test. 

The survey was carried out by Uswitch car insurance.

They recently launched a new Senior driving hub to provide information, data and tips for elderly drivers.

Changing demographics

According to the survey, millennials (those aged 28-43) supported this the most, with over three-quarters (79%) agreeing that it should be mandatory.

When asked if they agree, just over two-fifths (45%) of senior drivers aged 65+ think retesting should be required.

Currently, the UK does not have age-based requirements for stopping driving or retaking your test when you reach a certain age or have held your license for a certain number of years.

When a driver reaches 70, they just have to reapply for their licence every 3 years, without having to take a test.

Safe to drive?

When asked what age respondents thought senior drivers should retest, the most popular age range selected was 70-74 (33%).

Additionally, almost half (49%) think senior drivers should have to retake their tests every 2-3 years, while only 4% think they should only have to retake their test once.

The top reasons for supporting retesting included slower reaction times (64%), sight issues (62%), deteriorated health (52%), deteriorated attention (51%) and deteriorated driving performance (44%).