Older drivers could face regular new driving checks in major rule change plan

Experts are looking at rolling out “standardised mature driver assessments” in a move that could lead to frequent testing for older motorists. They will analyse the potential “road safety benefits” and consider how to effectively implement such programmes for those aged 60 plus. Backed by the Road Safety Trust, experts from the Older Driver Task Force, the University of Warwick and PACTS are looking into the initiative.

Some councils have brought in assessments to assist senior drivers, but no national rules so far exist and there is yet to be solid proof that these measures enhance road safety. The proposed scheme might affect anyone born before 1964, should it progress past its investigative phase. Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: “As the number of older drivers on UK roads increases, so do efforts to ensure they remain safe.

“This project will evaluate the road safety benefits of mature driver assessments, in an effort to improve standards across the country.” The growing concern surrounding elder motorist safety is heightened by issues such as deteriorating eyesight, memory loss, or other health concerns. In 2022, older drivers were involved in 11 percent of all car collision casualties and accounted for approximately a quarter of all car driver deaths, stats have revealed. Rob Heard, the chair and founder of the Older Drivers Forum, issued an important message, saying: “As we age, we can become complacent about our driving and may pick up bad habits.

“We have long believed that a driving assessment is a great way for drivers as they age to understand if they are still safe to drive and assist with those losing confidence in their driving. “We have been concerned that many of the non-medical appraisals or assessments vary in standard, cost and length which can cause confusion. We fully support this project to evaluate a standardised mature driving assessment and look forward to hearing its findings.” The evaluation will explore the “feasibility of schemes and “measure road safety outcomes” after completing the training.

The analysis is set to take a couple of years, with findings shared after the analysis has been evaluated. If the project is successful, the Road Safety Trust explained recommendations will be made explaining how to introduce standardised tests. Jamie Hassall, executive director of the PACTS, said: “Evaluating road safety interventions is a cornerstone of ensuring we are making positive progress and being able to demonstrate best practice so it can be shared, and the benefits delivered nationally and internationally.

“Thanks to The Road Safety Trust we have pulled together a team of experts to undertake a review of this work supporting older drivers to continue to safely use the roads.”

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