UK older drivers told ‘don’t wait’ for their own safety

Older motorists have been told “don’t wait” to stop driving if they feel they are a danger while behind the wheel. Experts at Green Flag claimed road safety is the “most important thing to consider” with individuals told to hand over their driving licence and no longer travel if they feel they are a risk.

The leading specialists stressed that motorists should not “wait for an accident” to tell them they should quit. Slower reaction times or being unaware of changes to road rules may be the first warning signs that older drivers could be near the end of their time behind the wheel. Meanwhile, road users struggling with deterioration of eyesight and hearing, joint and muscle stiffness and drowsiness should also be considering their future.

Green Flag said: “Your safety – and the safety of other road users – is the most important thing to consider. If you're concerned that your driving is not as good as it was, don't wait for an accident to convince you to stop.”

Green Flag added that elderly road users should visit their doctor around once every year to check they are still fit to drive. Motorists who have concerns over specific health conditions should visit a doctor as soon as possible.

In the UK, there are no strict age limits on when road users should hand over their licence and stop driving. Individuals only have to renew their driving licence every three years once they reach the age of 70 and report any medical conditions that could cause a problem.

Medical problems which must be reported include diabetes, syncope, heart conditions and even sleep apnoea. However, the AA claims that most individuals choose to hand over their licence and retire from the roads once they reach their mid-70s.

They have previously explained: “The average age that people give up driving is, according to surveys, 75 years old. It’s important to remember that it may not always be a choice, as certain health conditions mean you’re not legally allowed to get behind the wheel.

“As mentioned above, as long as your health is still good and there are no other reasons for you to stop driving (e.g. reduction in reaction speeds), then there’s no legal reason that you can’t drive at 90 years old in the UK.”