Britons demand elderly drivers take new mandatory tests or they could face £1,000 fine

The study comes after reports by the Department for Transport found that the number of killed or seriously injured casualties from a collision have involved at least one older car driver increased with figures increasing by 12 per cent in 2023.

The report on road safety revealed that 67 per cent of motorists support mandatory retesting for drivers who reach a certain age.

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The DfT report also found that 11 per cent of all casualties in car collisions involved older drivers. The report separately found that between 2019 and 2023, 57 per cent of killed or seriously injured casualties from collisions involving older drivers were male, compared to 67 per cent for other age groups.

Millennials, aged between 28 and 43, showed the strongest backing for the proposal, with 79 per cent agreeing with the retesting.

Among senior drivers themselves, the support was notably lower, with just 45 per cent of those aged 65 and over believing new tests should be required. The findings come amid ongoing discussions about road safety and driver competency across age groups.

Almost half of respondents (49 per cent) believe senior drivers should retake their test every two to three years, while only four per cent think a single retest would suffice.

Those favouring a one-time retest were predominantly from Generation X or the Baby Boomer age groups, accounting for 62 per cent of respondents with this view.

At present, drivers are not required to stop driving or retake tests at any specific age. The only requirement comes at the age of 70, when drivers must reapply for their licence every three years.

The study found that the most widely supported age range for introducing mandatory retesting was between 70 and 74 years old, with one-third of respondents selecting this option.

Pass rates for older drivers taking tests suggest potential challenges, with only 35 per cent of those aged 60 and over passing their driving test between September 2023 and March 2024.

But the reasons for these low pass rates remain unclear, potentially stemming from health issues, reduced confidence, or unfamiliarity with current driving regulations.Recent data shows speeding is the most common driving offence among motorists aged 60 and above.

Uswitch car insurance expert Leoni Moninska said: "By law, if you develop a medical condition, or an existing one worsens, you must report this to the DVLA or DVA if you live in Northern Ireland."

She warned that failing to report medical conditions is a serious offence, carrying fines of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution if involved in an accident.

Moninska recommended consulting doctors about any medical concerns that might affect driving ability. The expert also suggests practical solutions for elderly drivers, including the use of transfer boards and detachable handles for easier vehicle access.

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Additional accessories such as seat belt grabbers can assist those who struggle with reaching, making driving more manageable for senior motorists.

A further 15 per cent of violations were related to breaking motorway speed limits. Senior drivers were responsible for more than one-fifth (22 per cent) of all speeding offences during this period.

Insurance data reveals that drivers aged 61 and over accounted for 12 per cent of all accident-related car insurance quote requests.