Motorists approaching a certain age have been warned that they will need to take action in order to remain on the road without facing a number of complications including a serious fine.
Whilst there is no maximum age limit for the UK roads, drivers over the age of 70 will need to renew their licence every three years to demonstrate that they are still safe behind the wheel.
However, Siobhan Thomas, Partner in Hugh James’ Serious Injury Team, noted that the process is sometimes not as straightforward as filling out a form.
She explained: “Depending on your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, you may be required to undergo a medical assessment to assess your fitness to drive.
“These assessments are conducted by healthcare professionals, often your GP or a designated medical practitioner. Medical assessments may include vision tests, cognitive assessments, and discussions about specific health conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely.”
In most cases, drivers simply need to fill out the D46P application form sent by the DVLA and post it with their current photocard licence or, if they still have a paper licence, a recent passport-style photo of them in order to stay on the road.
However, if the DVLA have any concerns about the driver’s ability to use a vehicle, they will likely invite the motorist to undergo a medical test.
These tests will assess the various skills needed to safely control a car, such as the driver’s eyesight, perceptions of spatial awareness, and reaction times.
Siobhan also highlighted that older motorists renewing their licence may also need to undertake another practical driving test before they can return to the roads.
She continued: “In some cases, drivers aged 70 and above may be asked to take a practical driving test as part of the renewal process. This is more common if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely based on your self-assessment questionnaire or medical assessments.
“The practical driving test is similar to the test taken when obtaining your initial driving licence. It assesses your ability to operate a vehicle safely in various road and traffic conditions.”
Much like the test a motorist must take in order to get their licence in the first place, this assessment will see how a driver is able to react to a wide range of real-world situations.
Some motoring experts have called for the introduction of mandatory retests for motorists about to turn 70; however, they are currently only done if the results of a medical test still raise concerns over a driver’s ability to use a vehicle.
Nevertheless, whilst it may sound like a stressful experience, drivers must never get behind the wheel without a licence. Unlicenced drivers can receive fines of up to £1,000 in addition to other consequences, including the inability to buy or insure a car.
