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DIA suggests five yearly tests for all drivers

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) believes the five-yearly cognitive and eyesight tests that may be introduced for drivers over the age of 75 years should be made available, or even compulsory, to all drivers. 

DIA General Manager Eddie Barnaville said: "We support the idea of tests for the over 75s but why restrict them to just this age group? With 41 million licence holders on our roads it is vital to ensure people are roadworthy and safe."

If the DVLA proposals are given the go-ahead, motorists aged 75 and over would have to visit an assessment centre and complete a half-hour paper-based test, and pass a sight test, to obtain a five-year driving licence. 

Under the current system all drivers must renew their licences at the age of 70 and then every three years. But there is no independent verification of ability - unless relatives or doctors contact the DVLA to say the person is no longer fit to drive. 

There are more than 1.5 million drivers aged 75 and over on Britain's roads, and the figure is rapidly increasing. The proportion of licence holders aged over 70 rose from 15% in 1975 to 47% in 2004. There were also nearly 23,000 licence holders aged over 91 years in November 2005. 

Research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has indicated that elderly drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions causing death or injury as they have slower reaction times, take longer to spot hazards and are more likely to become confused by traffic rules and road layouts. 

The DVLA has stressed that no final decisions have been made yet. 

For further information contact Vikki Carley on: 020 8665 8024, or: newsdesk@driving.org.

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