Older road users should “stop driving” if friends and family are noticing vital signs, according to experts. In the UK there is no legal age when motorists have to formally hand over their driving licence to the DVLA.
However, there is also no formal test to check whether road users are safe behind the wheel as they age. It means individuals could remain on the roads even if they are unfit to drive, with many not willing to lose their licence and their freedoms. But, specialists have warned older motorists who regularly “make mistakes” or “drive dangerously” should be encouraged to get off the roads.
Experts at Homecare explained: “Lots of people make the odd mistake when driving, but if your older loved one is increasingly making mistakes or driving dangerously, they may soon need to stop driving for the safety of themselves and others.”
With family and friends unlikely to spend every minute of every day with their loved one it can be difficult to identify when the time has come.
However, Homecare stressed that there were some tell-tale signs which suggest that elderly road users are more at risk.
They added: “Small scrapes and dents are appearing on their vehicle. There is damage to the wall or fence by their driveway, or flattened flowerbeds.
“One of their lights is smashed. They are reluctant to talk about how damage happened or hadn’t noticed it.”
According to GOV.UK, motorists who have voluntarily surrendered their licence may make it easy to reapply for a new one if they wish to drive again in the future.
Individuals giving up their licence will need to explain the reason why they are handing over their photocard.
In some serious cases, the DVLA may get involved and revoke a driver’s licence which effectively bans a motorist from the road.
However, Age UK has also stressed that family and friends should speak to their loved ones if they are worried about their safety.
Age UK explained: “If the DVLA don’t tell your older relative or friend that they have to stop driving then ultimately it’s their decision to decide what to do about their driving.
“But if you feel that their driving ability is making them unsafe, or that they’re putting other people in danger, then you have a responsibility to talk to them about it.”