A majority of UK motorists believe that drivers who have taken a long break from driving should face mandatory reassessment before returning to the road, according to new research from Uswitch.

The survey found that 57% of drivers think a retake of the practical driving test should be required, while 50% support retaking the theory test after a prolonged absence behind the wheel.

Back in the seat

Findings from this latest survey come as concerns grow around road safety and driver competency, particularly in light of evidence that skill deterioration and outdated knowledge can contribute to serious road incidents.

At present, any individual with a valid driving licence is legally permitted to drive, regardless of how long they’ve been off the road.

With 22% of UK households now without a car, rising vehicle ownership costs, changes in working habits, and urban living have pushed more people into temporary driving hiatuses.

Uswitch’s study asked how long a break should trigger a reassessment, with 33% of respondents citing 5–7 years and 25% saying 2–4 years.

A small but cautious 5% felt even a break of less than two years should warrant a test retake.

Gaining support

Beyond formal retesting, almost a third (31%) of respondents felt drivers returning after a long absence should be required to take refresher lessons, with one in four (25%) suggesting these should be taken in addition to a full driving test.

On average, drivers thought three refresher lessons would be appropriate, echoing concerns that inactive drivers may lose confidence and awareness of road laws.

The top reasons given for supporting these measures included:

  • Refreshing driving skills and experience (56%)

  • Maintaining public safety (42%)

  • Staying updated with current driving laws and regulations (36%)

  • Regaining road confidence (39%)

Inexperience and road safety

The discussion around reassessment is particularly relevant amid growing concern over road safety.

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), there were 1,633 fatalities and over 28,000 serious injuries on UK roads in 2023.

In many cases, driver error or inexperience was cited as a contributory factor.

Though it’s difficult to isolate how many incidents involved returning drivers, experts agree that long breaks can lead to diminished skill and slower reaction times.

In 2022, 26% of all reported road collisions involved a form of driver error or reaction failure, according to DfT figures.

These include failing to judge another vehicle’s path, not observing properly, and driver distraction — all areas that may deteriorate during an extended break from driving.

Tips for drivers

Leoni Moninska, car insurance expert at Uswitch, encourages returning drivers to take practical steps to ease back onto the road safely.

“Even though retesting isn’t currently mandatory, it’s wise to rebuild your confidence gradually,” she says. “Review the Highway Code, practise in low-pressure settings, and carry out all necessary safety checks on your vehicle. Also, be aware that a gap in your insurance history could affect future premiums.”

Moninska also warns that a lapse in insurance, common for people taking a break, can label drivers as higher risk by some insurers, potentially leading to higher premiums.

With half of UK motorists now supporting stricter re-entry requirements for inactive drivers, the conversation around licensing reform may soon gain political momentum.

Campaigners argue that as road conditions, laws, and vehicle technologies continue to change and evolve, periodic reassessment could improve public safety and reduce the burden of avoidable collisions.