The average age to give up driving

Why must I renew my driving licence at age 70?

After the age of 70, the law requires a driving licence renewal every 3 years. This is to ensure you still meet the necessary health and eyesight standards to drive safely. This renewal is free unless a new photo is required and involves a self-declaration of fitness.

Currently, Section 99(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that licences must be renewed every 3 years to remain valid. This renewal helps manage the risks associated with age-related health changes that may affect driving safety.

Visit our senior driving hub for more information on age-related driving.

At what age do most seniors stop driving in the UK?

According to the AA, most seniors in the UK stop driving around the age of 75. And a BBC Freedom of Information request found that concerns about the safety of older drivers are increasing, with a rising number of people contacting the DVLA worried about a driver's ability behind the wheel.

What physical or cognitive changes affect my ability to drive?

As we age, we undergo a variety of physical and cognitive changes that can affect driving ability. These include:

• Declining vision: Our eyesight tends to decline as we age, which may mean you no longer meet the minimum eyesight rules for driving. If a driver cannot read a number plate 65ft (20m) away, they are required to tell the DVLA.
• Hearing loss: Just like our vision, hearing loss can also affect driving ability. This may mean you're unable to identify the sound of sirens, horns, or engine issues within your own car. You may also experience reduced spatial hearing, making it difficult to locate where sounds are coming from.
• Reduced mobility or arthritis: Physical limitations like stiff joints can make it difficult for older drivers to check for traffic, especially if they experience decreased neck rotation.

There are some travel aids available for senior drivers. These might include accessories to help mobility inside the car or specific GPS systems to make driving more comfortable.

What are the key warning signs I should look for in a driver?

There are a number of signs that indicate someone is a driving safety risk. These include:

• Abrupt braking
• Confusion in traffic
• Ignoring signals
• Drifting into other lanes

These signs point to a reduced cognitive ability and can pose a huge risk to the safety of the elderly driver themselves and other motorists.

Is it time to give up driving due to cost versus usage?

Even if someone still drives safely, owning a car may become harder to justify if they only use it occasionally.

Car insurance, fuel, tax and maintenance costs can add up quickly. In some cases, public transport or lift-sharing may work out cheaper and more convenient.

If there are good public transport links in your area, using the local bus service may prove easier and more cost-effective, especially for short trips.

People over 70 are eligible for free, national, or regional bus passes depending on their location. This is usually offered to those who have reached state pension age, which currently stands at 66 in England. In London, people aged 60 and over may also qualify for a 60+ Oyster photocard, which offers free or discounted travel on public transport.

In Wales, people over 60 can get a Concessionary Travel Card, which allows free travel on most local bus services across Wales at any time, plus some rail services.

In Scotland, anyone aged 60 and above is eligible for a National Entitlement Card, providing free travel on registered local and long-distance bus services nationwide.

How should I raise driving concerns with a relative?

Voicing concerns with a relative can be difficult. Here are some steps you can take to raise the issue:

1. Gather evidence: Document specific incidents that have led you to feel concern for their driving safety. This might be dents to their car, lane-drifting, or any near misses that have occurred.
2. Talk about your concerns with others: Chat with other friends or family members to see if they share any of your concerns or have had similar experiences themselves or with other relatives.
3. Choose the right time and place: It's good to pick a quiet, calm, and private moment to voice your worries. Avoid bringing it up directly after a driving incident, as this can heighten tension and stress for both parties.
4. Be empathetic: Try to use 'I' statements when discussing your concerns with them, focusing on your feelings rather than being accusatory. For example: 'I felt scared when...'
5. Ask open-ended questions: Ask them if they've noticed any changes in their driving ability and whether they have any concerns. Making an effort to ask about their experience can make the conversation sound less patronising and allow them to discuss their worries openly.
6. Focus on safety: Frame the discussion around keeping them and other drivers safe on the road.
7. Acknowledge their travel concerns: If possible, bring up alternative travel options available to them. This might be public transport to make trips into town or even offering to give them lifts to any commitments they might have.
8. Suggest gradual changes if appropriate: This might be recommending that they limit their driving to daytime travel, avoid motorways, or have their hearing and vision checked.

If they resist, you may need to consider third-party intervention:

1. Suggest a professional assessment: Encourage a professional driving mobility assessment or even a refresher course. This provides a way to objectively evaluate their driving skills.
2. Ask a trusted GP or doctor to speak to them: You can ask a GP or doctor to speak with them, as they may be more receptive to professional medical advice.
3. Legal reporting as a last resort: If all else fails and they're unwilling to stop driving, you can report concerns directly to the DVLA.

Being empathetic and considerate when faced with a difficult conversation is the best way forward. Think about how you would feel if you had to give up your own driving licence, and how it would impact your daily life. The ability to drive gives many people independence, and it can be difficult to consider giving that up, especially after many years.