A leading road safety expert has warned that elderly drivers potentially face "medical assessments" in order to stay behind the wheel and on the road.
When a motorist reaches 70 years of age, they are required to renew their driving licence every three years, rather than every 10 years like younger age groups.
Motorists will receive a reminder letter in the post before their licence runs out, with those approaching 70 years of age usually receiving a D46P application form three months before their birthday.
This can be completed and returned to the DVLA, with this normally taking up to three weeks, while those renewing online should receive their licence in seven days.
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Elderly drivers could face medical assessments when renewing their licence
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Older Britons do not need to take any further steps when renewing, despite calls for mandatory eyesight or fitness tests when someone reaches an advanced age.
The Older Drivers Forum contains a self-assessment checklist that can be used to consider whether their driving ability is changing.
The assessment contains simple yes or no questions regarding eyesight, physical mobility, tiredness, making decisions, medical fitness and their driving history.
The motoring organisation states that motorists can answer it themselves or have someone who knows how they drive to compare answers.
There is no formal mechanism that requires elderly people to stop driving, but drivers can voluntarily give up their licence.
Siobhan Thomas, Partner in the Serious Injury team at Hugh James, noted that elderly drivers need to answer the self-assessment questionnaire honestly and accurately.
She said they were created to ensure the safety of the driver and others on the road, rather than restricting a person's freedom.
Thomas added: "Depending on your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, you may be required to undergo 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."
The expert noted that the situation may seem daunting, but the assessments are designed to support motorists in maintaining their independence.
In some instances, motorists can be asked to retake their driving test as part of the renewal process if there are concerns regarding their fitness to drive.
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Older motorists are required to renew their driving licence every three years
PAA spokesperson for the DVLA told GB News that road safety is an "absolute priority" and that any death on the road is a "tragedy".
They added: "All drivers must ensure that they meet the medical standards for driving and notify us of the onset or worsening of a medical condition affecting their ability to drive."
