A transport minister has provided an update about the prospect of a new driving test for UK pensioners. It comes as a new Parliament petition has called for the implementation of “regular assessments of driving ability in older drivers”, which would include full driving retests.
When asked about this by The Express, roads and buses minister Simon Lightwood MP did not rule out the move. He said: “I think it’s really important, obviously, that as a government, as a country, we balance people’s freedom to drive with public safety.
“Which is why there’s already really strict checks and conditions on all the drivers. By law, everybody needs to declare that they’re fit [to drive], or inform the DVLA about any kind of medical conditions that would affect them. We’re reviewing, obviously, all those conditions as part of our road safety strategy, which is the first one in 10 years, and we’ll make sure that that road safety strategy is relevant to our kind of ageing population.”
When asked if this could address the prospect of another practical exam for elderly motorists, Mr Lightwood added: “We’ll continue to review what measures are in place to make sure that we can straddle that balance between freedom and public safety.”
He would not be drawn on at what age drivers would face the test, if one were rolled out.
Motoring campaigner and founder of FairFuelUK Howard Cox said: “Drivers should be re-tested based on their driving history not by their age.
“It is well documented that it’s young drivers that have the most accidents.
“Proven dangerous motorists however should be re-tested.
“I totally support that scrutiny alongside demonstrable proof of 20-20 vision by all drivers.”
The petition calling for the measure said: “We want the Government to introduce mandatory driving retests for drivers over the age of 70.
“We think this will make the road safer for everyone: motorcyclists, pedestrians and car users.”
The document seeks to implement regular assessments of driving ability in older drivers including:
- Full driving retests
- Reaction time and hazards
- Manoeuvring ability
- Comprehensive eyesight examinations