DVLA advised to bring in change for drivers born before these dates

Drivers in England who drive without a 'front seat passenger' warned
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Older drivers have may have to pass stringent tests to keep their licences and remain on the roads. Major rule changes could be introduced in an effort to improve road safety and lower the risk posed by elderly motorists.

The DVLA has been advised to bring in new laws around older drivers. The motoring agency will consider recommendations to force people over a certain age to satisfy certain criteria before being allowed to keep their licence.

For those over 70, it's thought they could face tougher and more detailed health forms than is currently the case. And once drivers get to 80, they could have to undergo cognitive testing. This would seek to ensure their speed of thought and reaction times are still adequate enough for them to be behind the wheel.

READ MORE: One thing every driver does but is against Highway Code and could lead to fine

There have long been questions around safety risks posed by older drivers. People currently have to renew their licence every three years from the age of 70 and they are required to notify the DVLA immediately of any conditions which could impair their driving.

A top judge in Scotland claimed this system is flawed because of the potential for conditions to be missed, either through being deliberately withheld or unintentionally as they have not been diagnosed or have got worse over time. He made the comments after a toddler was killed by a 91-year-old driver with dementia in Edinburgh.

The DVLA said it would consider whether it is now time to make changes in relation to older motorists. It said: "Road safety is our absolute priority and we are carefully considering the sheriff’s recommendations.

"All drivers must ensure that they meet the medical standards for driving and notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting their ability to drive.”