Jury out on retesting older drivers

A survey conducted on this website last week shows that road safety professionals are divided on the issue of compulsory retesting for older drivers.

Of those who responded, 57% are in favour, with 43% against. Among those in favour, the preferred age for retesting is 70 years.

Comments from respondents indicate that there would be some support from the profession for retesting of all drivers every five or 10 years.

One respondent said: "Older drivers should be retested along with every driver in the country, regardless of age - ideally every five to seven years - to ensure drivers retain some degree of skill and correct attitude."

Another added; "I think that ALL drivers should take a theory test and an eyesight test every 10 years. There are general 'windows' in development at which eyesight and reaction times are seen to deteriorate - but they are not exclusive to those over 60-65 years."  

A third said: "I believe ALL drivers should be retested every five years for driving skills, and have their eyesight tested and certified by an optician. Insurance companies should require all drivers involved in a collision to undertake a retest and provide an optician's certificate for their eyesight. No other form of licensing allows you to carry on regardless without being retested - and no other affects so many people, and few carry such dangerous consequences."