Elderly motorists should not be made to retake their driving test, a new poll of Express.co.uk readers has found. There is no upper age limit on driving but motorists over the age of 70 are required to renew their licence more frequently – every three years instead of 10.
This means drivers are routinely expected to inspect their health and confirm that they are able to operate a vehicle safely, one of the indicators includes being able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away.
Earlier this year a spokesperson from road safety charity Brake said: “For older drivers, licence renewal at 70 prompts them to check and self-certify they are fit to drive but this process can be improved.
“The Government needs to look at how fitness to drive regulation can be more rigorously enforced, such as compulsory eyesight testing throughout a driver’s career, rather than simply expecting drivers to self-certify that they are fit to drive.”
READ MORE: Elderly drivers warned of £1,000 fines for not renewing licence
In a poll that ran from 4pm on Thursday, September 29, to midday on Tuesday, October 4, Express.co.uk asked readers: “Should elderly motorists retake their driving test?”
Overall, 7,008 votes were cast with the vast majority, 86 percent (6,042 people), answering “no”, elderly motorists should not have to retake their driving test.
However, 13 percent (918 people) said “yes” they should, while one percent (48 people) said they did not know either way.
Hundreds of comments were left below the accompanying article as readers shared their thoughts on elderly motorists.
Username mikeman said: “At 70 drivers should have a short test but more importantly a medical for fitness to drive.”
Username DavidHoldsworth1 said: “Everybody with a driving license should have a mandatory eye test every three years!”
While username Radical3 wrote: “Elderly drivers should take a medical fitness test but not another driving test. Many years of experience are more valuable than a driving test but medical fitness is key.”
And username twin12 said: “A driving test would be a waste of time -–what is needed is a medical. An older driver may well waltz through the driving test – and it is his medical condition that needs testing.
“But a medical should be required of ALL drivers periodically, not just the older drivers.”
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