Older motorists may be told to ‘stop driving by DVLA bosses’ after failing new assessment.l
Elderly motorists older than 65 could have their licence snatched by the DVLA for failing a new type of driving test.
Older motorists could be told to ‘stop driving’ (Image: Getty)
Older drivers may be told to “stop driving” by DVLA chiefs if they fail voluntary mature driver assessments, according to experts.
Specialists at Age UK have told elderly motorists their driving licence could be taken away if road users are found to be dangerous behind the wheel.
Mature driver assessments review skills in older age to make sure they are up to scratch and safe behind the wheel.
The tests assess a range of factors including motorists’ eyesight, medical conditions and driving history.
Road users’ physical mobility and decision-making while in the driver’s seat are also analysed as part of the test.
Mature driver assessments check whether road users are safe (Image: Getty)
Individuals will tend to travel on a familiar route and will receive verbal and written feedback after the exam.
However, road users could find their licence taken away by officials
Age UK said: “Having a driving assessment can help reassure the driver, and those around them, that they’re safe on the roads.
“Once the mobility centre has assessed their driving, they’ll give them advice on what to do next. This may be simply saying it’s still safe for them to drive, or telling them which adaptations could help them with driving or getting into and out of their car.
“If the assessment shows that a medical condition makes it unsafe for them to drive, the DVLA can tell them to stop driving. They must be provided with a medical explanation as to why they’ve made this decision.”
Mature driver assessments are typically available for road users above 65 years of age and individuals can be referred by specialists to take a test.
The DVLA will pay for a check if a driver has been asked to take one after declaring certain medical conditions.
The assessment is also free of charge if motorists have been referred by the NHS.
However, road users can pay for themselves to undergo a mature driving assessment with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) charging £77.
Mature driver assessments could become more widespread with experts looking at the introduction of a “standard” test.
This could be rolled out across the whole country with the same set of criteria tested nationally.
Experts from the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), alongside The Older Driver Task Force (ODTF), the Older Drivers Forum and the University of Warwick are currently looking into the feasibility of the concept.
