Mature Drivers

Mature drivers are no more likely to be involved in a road collision than anyone else, in fact there is considerable evidence that more mature drivers are safer than other drivers. However all drivers must renew their licence when they reach the age of 70, and every three years after that.

The ageing process brings changes particularly related to health and physical ability, which can affect a driver’s confidence. You have a duty to other road users to consider those changes and act appropriately. If you think things have changed seek advice, talk to your GP or consider a driver assessment session.

Driver Assessments help motorists think about driving issues and provide advice and techniques which might help. There are a few available, including the RoSPA course and the IAM course.

If you are a family member or friend who is concerned about an older person and their fitness to drive talk to them. It may be difficult, but the consequences of ignoring it could be a lot worse.

Medical Conditions

Whatever a driver’s age, if they have – or develop – a medical condition that could affect their ability to drive safely, they must inform the DVLA. And it’s important to remember that it isn’t just the condition itself that could affect your abilities behind the wheel – it’s also the side effects of the medication used to control the control.

Doctors can also report their patients to the DVLA if they believe that the patient shouldn’t be driving due to a medical condition or prescribed drug.

The effects of illness and medication are vitally important to be aware of – and you must tell your insurance company about any of these issues that you’re living with. If you don’t and you’re involved in a collision, your insurance could be invalidated as a result.

If you’re not sure whether your medication or condition makes you unsafe behind the wheel, speak to your GP at your earliest available opportunity. GOV.UK website also has a comprehensive list of conditions and effects that you might need to consider.

If you think that you need to tell the DVLA about a condition or medication, then there’s some comprehensive advice available online, again from GOV.UK about what will happen once you’ve made contact with them. You should also speak to your doctor or maybe any friends who have been in the same situation