Medicals for older drivers

Motorists over the age of 65 could have to pass medicals every five years to keep their driving licences.

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Motorists over the age of 65 could have to pass medicals every five years to keep their driving licences.

The measures now being debated by the European Parliament would take years to introduce but are far stricter than the system used in the UK at the moment.

Currently motorists in this country have to renew their licence every three years from the age of 70, but do not have to pass a medical to do so.

Safety groups are divided on whether the tougher European measures make sense.

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) points to research that shows older drivers are no more likely to be involved in an accident than a younger driver. The ETSC says other studies have shown that older drivers compensate for deficiencies by driving more slowly and avoiding rush-hour traffic or poor lighting conditions.

ETSC executive director Jorg Beckmann said: ‘As far as driving ability and skills are concerned, healthy old drivers have been found to be generally as good or even better than a young driver.’

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents believes older drivers should undergo medical testing every three years when they reach 70, however.

It warns older drivers may be unaware how their abilities have degraded over time but also encourages younger drivers to have regular examinations, particularly eye checks, to make sure they are still safe.

Road safety charity Brake said it was behind five-yearly reassessments of licences for all motorists, not just older drivers.

Research shows that drivers over 65-years-old are no more likely to be in or cause a serious accident. However, they are twice as likely to be killed if they are involved in an accident as they are more susceptible to injury.