Drivers over 70 may face two tests to keep their licenses if the Labour Party government and DVLA cave to demands. Siobhan Thomas, Partner in Hugh James' Serious Injury Team, is leading the push for the changes to be made.
The proposed change would involve both vision and cognitive assessments. Siobhan explained: "Depending on your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, you may be required to undergo a medical assessment to assess your fitness to drive.
"These assessments are conducted by healthcare professionals, often your GP or a designated medical practitioner. Medical assessments may include vision tests, cognitive assessments, and discussions about specific health conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely."
She added: "In some cases, drivers aged 70 and above may be asked to take a practical driving test as part of the renewal process. This is more common if there are concerns about your ability to drive safely based on your self-assessment questionnaire or medical assessments.
"The practical driving test is similar to the test taken when obtaining your initial driving licence. It assesses your ability to operate a vehicle safely in various road and traffic conditions."
Some people supported the change, with one motorist saying: "Licences for life were a very bad idea they should applied for every five years and as an 81 year old I agree with every three years over 70 ,when you apply at the very least a certificate of vision.
"When I was a police officer it was the 25 yard test and a lot of young people were lacking in being able to read a number plate ,so not just us wrinkles But young smoothies as most accidents are caused by those between 18/40 insurance statistics".
Another individual said: "I gave my licence up on my 80th birthday I as did not want to finish on the front page of a newspaper having caused an accident, possibly fatal."
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One person expressed their concern: "No matter how good a driver one thinks one is are after a certain age one loses one's reflexes and peripheral vision.
"I really worry when I see some, seemingly well off, elderly people who can hardly walk climb into high powered cars. Maybe, at 70 years old, drivers should have their reflexes and peripheral vision tested on simulators."
And another was in favour of regular testing at a younger age: "I cant see the problem with this. However there are much younger drivers who are too vain to wear glasses when they need them.
"Perhaps these tests should be carried out every five years after the age of for eg 50."
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