5 MILLIO N OVER-70S ON ROADS
Ageing drivers reach record high
A RECORD five million people over the age of 70 hold driving licences – after judging themselves fit to be on the roads.
Analysis of DVLA data also found 265 aged 100 or over who are legally allowed to drive. The four oldest were 104.
RAC Foundation’s Steve Gooding said: “This huge demographic shift means challenges to maintaining safe mobility for all of us.”
From the age of 70, drivers must renew licences every three years, with no road or medical tests. They must simply declare whether or not they are fit to drive. Mr Gooding added: “Calls are routinely made for more testing of older drivers but most have very good safety records and recognise their limitations. “Even where people are encouraged to hang up their keys in the interests of safety, we must recognise social and health problems coming with isolation.” DVLA added: “Valid entitlement does not mean individuals are driving or are not deceased.”