Elderly drivers – a common dilemma?

Age related driving regulations
Just before turning 70, the DVLA sends out a renewal form which requires the driver to declare that they are still fit and able to drive safely. Driving licences then continue to be renewed in this way every three years.

Health related driving regulations
There is a legal requirement to tell the DVLA about certain medical conditions which can lead to a temporary or permanent requirement to give up your licence.
The full list of conditions can be found at this link to the DVLA.

1.Make sure they have regular eyesight tests with an optician – (see our guide to vision problems)
2.Check whether any medicines they are taking can affect their driving – their doctor can help.
3.Check if they have a medical condition which should be notified to the DVLA (see above)
4.Help them to access a voluntary driving assessment (see below)

Recognise that this can be a highly emotive issue and that your parent might not immediately share your view. They might be reluctant to admit that their driving days are over and be upset about losing their independence and all that entails.

You can also emphasise some of the benefits such as all the savings on road tax, insurance, MOT, servicing, fuel etc

Nowadays there are websites and leaflets concerned with this topic. You can share relevant information with your parent which might help any difficult conversations. The AA and RAC have information and we link to 2 key sites in the “more information” section below

If your parent will not listen to you, then they might be more responsive to advice from their GP, another relative or a friend. Doctors have a legal duty to protect the public and to advise patients to inform the DVLA if they have a condition or are undergoing treatment that could impair their fitness to drive.

If a patient refuses to accept their doctor’s advice then they are entitled to a second opinion but they should not drive whilst awaiting further assessment (see driving assessments below).

Driving mobility services have centres all over the UK.

Driver assessment services can be accessed voluntarily but increasingly NHS doctors are making referrals to driver assessment centres to get objective advice about how a medical condition impacts on a patient’s ability to drive.

Older driver assessments are designed to provide an objective opinion about whether someone:
a) is still safe to drive,
b) needs a period of retraining to update their skills or confidence
c) is no longer safe to drive and is at high risk of having an accident