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Older drivers
Drivers over 70 are on the increase and, being careful drivers, have fewer accidents behind the wheel. Here’s how to continue driving safely past your 70th birthday – and what to do if you’re concerned about an older driver.
Driving licence expiry
The UK driving licence automatically expires when you reach the age of 70. After this you have to renew every three years. Why? The reason is because, in many cases, health deteriorates with age. This is not always apparent to the individual or can be stressful to admit. However, it’s good to remember that 70-year-olds do not automatically become bad drivers; some are much more alert and active – not to mention experienced – than when they were young.
Fewer accidents
The number of older drivers is expected to exceed 4.5 million by 2015 according to a Department for Transport (DfT) 2001 report Older Drivers: a Literature Review. The report also shows that there is no age-related increase in car accidents for the over-60s. In fact, a 2004 DfT study showed that older drivers have far fewer crashes than their younger counterparts.
Age-related concerns
If you’re concerned about an older driver or are one yourself then it might help to pinpoint some problem areas, these may include:
- Slowing down of reaction times
- Deterioration of eyesight especially at night
- Increase in recovery time from glare
- Slower reaction to road signs
- Deterioration of hearing
- Joint and muscle stiffness, affecting limb reach (often solved by adjusting seat position) and flexibility when reversing
- Drowsiness or side effects from medication
- Risk factor from epilepsy or diabetes, diseases that are more common in older people
- Reluctance to adapt to – or unawareness about – changes in the law such as updates in the Highway Code
Older drivers should visit their doctor each year – or as soon as possible for specific health problems – to check they are still okay to drive. They must also keep up to date with regular sight and hearing tests. You must report any health condition likely to affect your driving to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Refresher courses
The Institute of Advanced Motorists also offers driving refresher courses to brush up on core skills. Plus all drivers should keep up-to-date with the current Highway Code.
Going on a road trip? Always be prepared with our checklist and tips and make sure you have your Green Flag breakdown cover in place – get an online quote today.
