Drivers who are set to turn 70 next year could face six changes that may affect their ability to stay on the road, with several proposals under consideration aimed at updating the rules for older motorists. Currently, once you hit 70, you’re required to renew your driving licence and then do so every three years thereafter.
For older drivers, there’s a lot to keep in mind, from informing the DVLA of any medical conditions to considering alternatives like public transport or taxis, as advised by Age UK, an organisation committed to supporting the elderly. Further changes might be on the horizon, according to the charity.
Age UK has stated: “For many of us, driving gives us independence and freedom, so the thought of having to give it up can be very difficult. Getting older doesn’t have to mean that you give up driving but there are things worth considering when thinking about driving in later life.”
Older driving test assessments
The Older Drivers Forum is advocating for senior citizens to undergo assessments to review their driving skills and identify any medical concerns, with the aim of making roads safer. Although drivers over 70 are less likely to be involved in speed-related accidents, statistics show they are 38 per cent more likely to be involved in incidents where they fail to look properly.
Sgt Owen Messenger of Devon and Cornwall Police’s road casualty reduction team spoke to the BBC about concerns regarding drivers on the road, stating: “They want to keep their driving licence for as long as possible because public transport isn’t at times as good as it could be.”, reports Birmingham Live.
He emphasised the importance of safety, adding: “We want to keep them safe and driving longer but making sure they are safe on the roads. For us, it’s about making sure that they are still fit to drive.”
New car tax changes
In related news, vehicle excise duty (VED) has been subject to inflationary increases since 2010, with the latest adjustments announced in the Autumn Budget 2024. Starting April 2025, first-year VED rates for new petrol and diesel vehicles will experience a significant hike.
These initial fees, which apply before transitioning to the standard rate, will escalate according to emissions, with the most substantial rise of £2,745 levied on models emitting over 255 g/km of CO2. This change is set to impact some of the most popular cars on UK roads.
A whopping 59 cars from 24 brands, including popular manufacturers such as Ford, BMW and Mercedes, are set to face a £2,745 car tax increase in April 2025. The Treasury has informed Car Dealer Magazine that from April 2025, the cost of a new Ford Puma’s first-year VED will jump from £220 to £440, while a Range Rover owner could see a rise from £2,745 to a staggering £5,490.
These changes, expected to generate an additional £162.9 million in tax revenue in the first half of 2025, could see drivers paying an average of £418 more for new vehicles.
Eyesight testing
Drivers over 70 should have compulsory eyesight tests with some being unable to read a number plate from just three metres away, a former police officer and road safety expert has said.
Rob Heard, a road safety consultant and the founder of the Older Drivers Forum, said that around 10 per cent of drivers have deficient eyesight, with sight loss significantly worsening after the age of 70.65 per cent of Brits are in favour of mandatory driving re-tests for over-70s, according to YouGov polling estimates. Mr Heard was a police officer for 20 years and a lot of his work revolved around traffic incidents which exposed him to the dangers of older drivers.
Fit-to-drive test
Mr Heard spoke to The Times, stating: ‘Certainly when we get to the age of 70, rather than just ticking the box that we’re fit and healthy to drive, thinking about it and maybe going out and getting an assessment. At the age of 70, I think we should be looking at having one with every renewal.
‘ He collaborated with the police to develop the Police Fitness to Drive Assessment, recognising that the course offered for careless driving offences – which can be taken as an alternative to prosecution – might not be suitable, particularly for older drivers and those with adapted vehicles. Mr Heard’s fitness-to-drive test is now available as an alternative to facing charges.
Cognitive testing
A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of a three-year-old toddler in Edinburgh has resulted in court recommendations that would significantly affect the rights of older people to get behind the wheel. Current law says drivers have to self-certify their fitness when applying to renew driving licences via the DVLA at age 70, and thereafter at three-year intervals. Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross’s determination following the inquiry into Xander Irvine’s death found the tragedy could have been avoided if the driver who hit him – 91-year-old Edith Duncan – had been identified as unfit to drive through cognitive impairment.
“Had reasonable precautions been taken, prior to the collision, to assess Edith Duncan’s cognitive ability, these would have identified that she required further assessment of her driving ability,” the determination reads. “That further assessment would have, in turn, led to the conclusion that she was significantly cognitively impaired and unfit to hold a driving licence.”
Car insurance challenge
A petition launched by Sarah Kelly specifically challenges the “signposting” agreement between the Government and insurance industry, which it claims has failed to protect elderly drivers. It detailed: “We think the ‘signposting’ agreement between the government and the insurance industry is a failure.
“85 per cent of people aged 80 PLUS are NOT signposted to alternative insurers, when refused a quote. We believe many 80 plus adults are not offered competitive alternative quotes when using online search tools.
“We think it is discriminatory for this age group to be requested to pay more than other drivers. We believe this increases the stress, isolation and financial hardship of the elderly.”