Two thirds back mandatory driver retests for older drivers

Richard Aucock, Contributor
Wed, 22 Jan 2025

More than 2 in 3 motorists have backed the mandatory retesting of senior drivers due to concerns over slower reactions and sight issues.

While a majority of all drivers believe that once licence holders reach a certain age, they should be required to retake their practical driving test, it was millennials that most strongly supported the idea.

Of those aged 28-43, nearly 8 in 10 agreed that the measure should be mandatory.

Surprisingly, when drivers aged 65+ were asked if they agree, 45% said that retesting should be required. The most popular age range suggested was 70-74.

Overall, nearly 1 in 2 drivers agreed that senior drivers should have to retake a test every two to three years.

Generation X or Baby Boomers, in contrast, strongly believe a retest should only be taken once.

But what is behind the belief that older drivers need retests? 64% of those surveyed by Uswitch said it was because their slower reaction times could be hazardous.

Close behind, at 62%, were sight issues, with 52% citing deteriorated health, 51% lower attention and 44% worsening driving performance.

Interestingly, Uswitch data shows that the number of car insurance quote requests that mention ‘accident’ for those aged 61 and older accounted for just 12% of claims.

Of more concern is the low pass rate for older motorists taking a driving test. According to DVSA data obtained by Uswitch, only 35% of those aged 60 and older passed their test between September 2023 and March 2024.

"The reasons behind this are unclear – it could be due to deteriorated wellbeing, but also confidence or knowledge of driving regulations or rules," says Uswitch car insurance expert Leoni Moninska.

By law, drivers must report any medical conditions to the DVSA. Failing to do so is considered a serious offence and you could be fined up to £1000 and prosecuted if you are caught in an accident.

Uswitch is urging older drivers to self-assess their ability to drive. It suggests you can do this by acknowledging any physical or mental changes that might impact your ability, including reaction times, awareness and mobility.

“If you have any concerns regarding how a medical issue may impact driving, you should speak to a doctor,” adds Moninska.

Ask HJ

Will sleep apnea affect my husband's driving licence renewal?

As my husband is nearing 70, he has sent off his licence to the DVLA for renewal. He has sleep apnea, which he has declared. However, this does not affect his driving and has improved since he has used a C-PAP machine. I am worried that the declaration of sleep apnea will effect his chances of driving again. He sent off all the details around 5 weeks ago, he has several more weeks before his birthday, and has still not heard anything back from the DVLA. I would be grateful of any information you can give me in this situation.

You can read the DVLA's guidance on medical conditions here - https://www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving/find-condition-a-to-z Sleep apnea is grouped into the condition 'excessive sleepiness and driving' by the DVLA, so it will depend how the condition affects your husband's driving and what steps he is taking to manage the condition in respect of whether his licence will be reissued.

Answered by David Ross

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