Drivers who reach this age face new 'assessment' test with eyesight check

Drivers who hit this age could face "mature" driver assessments including EYESIGHT checks. Birmingham motorists could soon have their skills tested to ensure road safety is boosted, amid calls from leading organisations for a regular driving assessment to be introduced.

The Older Drivers Forum wants older drivers to have a review of their skills and to check whether they have any medical issues to make roads safer. It would mainly affect drivers age 70, because data from the Older Drivers Forum suggests that the number of elderly motorists will triple in the next 20 years.

Sgt Owen Messenger, from Devon and Cornwall Police's road casualty reduction team, told the BBC : "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. 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."

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Sgt Messenger called onroad users to visit their opticians and get a check-up regularly, as well as checking with their doctor to see if they are able to drive while on medication. Rob Heard, a former police traffic officer and founder of the Older Drivers Forum, said: "We are always saying to people: 'If you MOT your car every year. How about you MOT yourself?'

"So when you come to that licence renewal, maybe consider something like a mature driver assessment or a regular eyesight test." The Older Drivers Forum, which works with police forces across the UK, is urging older motorists to have a review of their skills and any medical issues.

It comes as figures from the Department of Transport show a 45% increase since 2010 in the number of motorists aged over 70 who have been hurt or killed in accidents in the UK. According to The Older Drivers' Forum, motorists aged over 70 are less likely to be involved in collisions involving speed, carelessness, or recklessness.

But they are 38% more likely to be involved in collisions where they have failed to look properly.