Should older motorists take a driving test?

AS A 71-year-old, I agree older drivers should have additional testing (Mail) to ensure they are competent to drive on roads that are increasingly congested. All drivers acquire bad habits, so re-testing should be mandatory every ten years. It would also ensure everyone keeps up to date with changes in the Highway Code. An abbreviated form of the driving test could emphasise safety and the ability to deal with variable driving conditions.

N. McPHERSON, Gillingham, Kent. I SEE appalling driving by all ages, even the young and newly qualified. It’s not your age, but good road craft that counts and awareness of what’s going on. Many young drivers have deafening music playing, which must interfere with their awareness and reactions.

H. HARRIS, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.

OLDER drivers are among the safest on the roads while young men under 25 have the highest road accident rate. Inexperienced youngsters often don’t anticipate hazards ahead, such as the chance of meeting an oncoming car around a sharp bend. I believe that elderly drivers are less likely to speed, abuse alcohol, take street drugs or do handbrake turns.

A. WILLS, Ruislip, Middlesex. AFTER 60 years of blameless driving, I voluntarily gave up my licence in my early 80s. There are no local buses so my wife and I book taxis for shopping, but spontaneous outings are now a thing of the past. Is it any wonder older people are reluctant to give up their cars and are untruthful when filling in their self-assessment forms?

LEN MATES, Southbourne, W. Sussex.

NEVER mind the over-70s, a lot of under-25s need a retest.

JIM TRICKETT, Pontefract, W. Yorks.