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.

There is no legal age elderly road users need to hand over a driving licence (Image: Getty)

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.