Testing time for elderly drivers

Elderly drivers would be in for a testing time if most motorists had their way.

In a new survey carried out for one of the country's leading breakdown services, 82% of the UK's motorists interviewed thought that pensioners' driving skills should be re-tested.

It was a proposal that even received support from more than half of drivers aged 65 and over who took part in the nationwide survey commissioned by Autonational Rescue.

The biggest supporters of some form of re-test for older motorists came from drivers in the 35-44 age bracket, 97% of whom thought some form of re-test necessary.

Not far behind in sharing those views were the 16-24 years-olds (92%) and the 25-34 year-olds (94%).

The idea of a re-test at the age of 70 got more than 40% of motorists' votes, with 14% opting for a test every two years after the driver reaches 65. A further 12% thought 60 was an appropriate age for a re-test, while 11% thought another test a good idea if a driver had been involved in an accident.

A move towards any re-testing, however, was not popular with 13% of those interviewed who believed once a driver had passed there should be no further examination.

Autonational's marketing manager Ronan Hart said, "It's estimated that a quarter of all drivers will be 70 or over by 2050 compared to just 9% at the moment.

"And statistics show that those aged 70 or over are three times more likely to be involved in a road accident than those aged between 45 and 60.

"Elderly drivers can, at present, carry on using their car by declaring themselves fit on a self-assessment form, but it has been suggested that cognitive tests and eye examinations should be compulsory if an over-70 driver wants to carry on using the road.

"It's a fact, however, that many older people rely on their cars, and everything needs to be done to ensure they can continue to drive safely on the road or receive the support they need when it is time to stop."

Until recent revisions, the driving test had changed little since it was introduced in 1935, but the survey highlighted that the new-look test may cause problems for current drivers.

More than three quarters anticipated problems with either the theory or practical examination.

Over half of drivers interviewed thought the present-day theory test would cause them most concern, while 19% were worried about the revised practical examination.

Despite the doubts, however, 64% were confident of a pass, 39% of those anticipating getting through comfortably.

The independent survey was carried out across the UK by CAPI Omnibus based on a representative sample of around 1,000 adults at 72 sampling points.

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