‘Us older drivers with experience are safer’

Although many readers agreed with the idea of driving tests for the over65s, a large number of our readers were vehemently against the idea.

Over-70s must renew their driving licences every three year, and currently applicants only need to declare they are fit and healthy to drive and state their eyesight still meets the minimum vision requirements.

Among our readers on Facebook, Abi Penswick said: “So more pressure on a test system that can't handle the learner drivers waiting for tests as it is.”

Lois Robertson added: “We’re good enough to work past 65, leave us alone to get there.”

Pauline Mackeral said the petition was looking at the wrong end of the age scale. She posted: “Put the licence age up from 17 to 21. That would be a better idea.”

And Janice Greenacre agreed, writing: “Put the driving age up from 17 to 21. If I ever see anyone driving erratically it is a young person.”

Meanwhile, Phil Price said: “Older drivers are a lot better than younger drivers full stop. We have many many years of no claims, so how can we be bad drivers?”

Glyn Taylor said: “Time some of these youngsters are retested. Older drivers with experience are safer.”

Dave White added: “What a ridiculous and unnecessary idea. I think you’ll find that all age groups have either bad drivers, or people who aren't fit to drive.”

Meanwhile, some readers suggested that all drivers should have to be assessed regularly if they wanted to keep their driving licence.

Anne-Marie Clarke was typical of the responses when she said: “With the standard of driving on the road these days, everyone should take a ‘mini’ test every two years to see if they’re still fit to be behind the wheel, regardless of age.”