Over half of older drivers support testing of their skills every 5 years

LONDON: Older motorists are more willing to prove how safe they actually are on the roads than perhaps first thought.

Research commissioned by the UK’s leading independent road safety charity, IAM RoadSmart, has revealed that of more than 3,000 motorists aged over 60 surveyed, over half (55%) agreed with the statement that senior drivers should be retested every five years after their licence renewal.

In fact, many older drivers are willing to conduct such tests independently, with nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) claiming that if there was a DIY kit available to test their driving fitness, they would use it.

Nearly half (46%) of drivers surveyed were in support of a flexible licensing system which might, for example, restrict drivers to only using local roads or driving in daylight hours.

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“The fact that over half of older drivers are willing to undergo extra driving checks bodes well for the policy changes we advocate," said IAM RoadSmart policy and research director Neil Greig.

"These include an immediate review of driver licensing, offering mature drivers reviews on prescription and a joint education campaign to help drivers start to plan for their future mobility needs.

"With everyone moving in the same direction, we can drive down accidents on the road, making Britain’s roads an even safer place to be.”

IAM RoadSmart is the trading name of all businesses operated by the UK’s largest road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists.