Six million older drivers have been warned that they could be asked to retake their test as campaigners urge for stricter measures to increase road safety.
Whilst statistics from the Department for Transport suggest that more accidents are caused by younger motorists, drivers over the age of 70 are still a particularly high risk category on the roads.
In a blog post, the vehicle retail group Arnold Clark highlighted that there is currently no mandatory retest for motorists 70 and over, with motorists having to declare that they are fit enough to get behind the wheel.
They explained: “In short, no. However, drivers need to reapply for their licence at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter.
“There is no requirement to take a test but applicants must declare that they are fit and healthy to drive and their eyesight meets the minimum requirements for driving via self assessment.”
The calls come after a fatal crash when Dr Turner Waddel, 89, accidentally travelled south on the northbound carriageway of the A30 in 2011.
The retired doctor travelled in the wrong direction for around a mile in the fast lane, before smashing into an oncoming car being driven by Neil Colqhuhoun, 28, who was killed in the incident.
During the case following the incident, the court heard that the accident took place during a bend in the road, with Waddel failing an eye test the day after the collision took place.
Currently, there is no maximum age limit for drivers, with motorists over 70 needing to renew their licence every three years if they wish to remain on the roads.
However, Brits could still be forced to stop driving if a medical condition could impact their ability on the road, with those that fail to do so risking fines of up to £1,000.
Nevertheless, safety campaigners have urged the DVSA to introduce mandatory retests for drivers turning 70, which could assess various skills required in order to be a safe driver.
Nicholas Lyes, Director of Policy and Standards at IAM RoadSmart, is one campaigner calling for a more formal way of testing older drivers, in addition to measures to help doctors refer motorists who are unfit to drive.
He explained: “We’re concerned there’s nothing formally in place to help older drivers who want to keep their driving in check.
“Moreover, [there is] no process for GPs to be able to refer an older driver who they have serious concerns over their ability to drive.”
