Motorists who travel on UK roads for less than 2,000 miles per year should consider giving up their driving licence, according to leading experts. Specialists at the Older Drivers Forum stressed it may no longer “make financial sense” to keep running a car if road users barely travel.

Instead, they stressed motorists could use their cash elsewhere with public transport likely to be cheaper under the 2,000 miles per year mark. Road users would also save on costly car running costs such as insurance, fuel and parking fees. Older motorists can voluntarily hand over their driving licence to the DVLA in later life if they feel they are unsafe.

Those travelling udner 2,000 miles per year could save by ditching their car (Image: Getty)

The Older Drivers Forum said: “It may even make good financial sense to use your money for other ways of getting about, rather than for owning and running a car, especially if you drive less than 2,000 miles a year.

“You would get money from selling your car, and save money because you no longer have to pay for insurance, MOTs, servicing, fuel, parking and repairs.

“If you no longer use your car very much, it may make good financial sense to give it up and use the money you save for other ways of getting about.”

Alarm provider Taking Care, has previously claimed motorists over the age of 70 typically spend less time behind the wheel than other road users.

Drivers tend to cover an average of 1,665 miles per year, significantly lower than any other age group.

Meanwhile, the average driver in the UK travels around 7,400 miles per year with many going even further than this.

Those commuting to work are likely to travel around 13,000 miles per year, massively higher than the typical elderly road user.

Officials claim road users can voluntarily surrender their licence if a medical condition affects their ability to drive safely for a period of three months or more.

Motorists can also give up their licence if they do not meet the required medical standards for safe driving.

However, officials claim that road users who voluntarily hand over their licence will be more likely to get their photocard back later down the line. 

GOV.UK said: “Surrendering your licence makes it easier to reapply for a new one if you want to drive again in the future.

You must reapply for a new licence if you want to drive again after surrendering your licence.

“When you reapply for a new licence, DVLA will carry out medical checks to decide if it’s safe for you to continue driving. You may be able to continue driving while they do this.”