Older motorists in 5 areas of UK urged to take test ahead of 2027 deadline

Older drivers in certain parts of the UK are being encouraged to undertake voluntary driving assessments to evaluate their road skills between now and 2027. A number of local councils have created their own voluntary older driver assessment schemes to test these skills.

As reported by Express.co.uk, tests typically cost motorists up to £49, but can be obtained for free in some areas under the new scheme for the next two years. Following the assessment, drivers will receive feedback on their abilities and suggestions for improvement.

However, the final decision to continue driving or surrender their licence will be made by the drivers themselves, if examiners believe an older driver could pose a risk.

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The research, funded by The Road Safety Trust, is being conducted by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), The Older Driver Task Force, the Older Drivers Forum and the University of Warwick.

The project has been granted £104,050 to develop guidelines for a standardised mature driver assessment, as each region currently offers its own version of the tests.

By 2027, experts aim to establish a more coherent nationwide framework for driving assessments that can be used across all regions, although drivers will then be charged for these checks.

An evaluation of standardised mature driver assessments will be carried out by approved driving instructors (ADIs) in five areas of the country. Trials are being examined in Buckinghamshire, Cheshire West and Chester, Gloucestershire, Leeds, and Warwickshire. The study will explore whether standardised assessments for elderly drivers could be rolled out across the nation more broadly.

Dr Carol Hawley, honorary research fellow at the University of Warwick Medical School, said: "Myself and Ian Edwards of New View Consultants are excited to be conducting this multi-centre evaluation of standardised mature driving assessments on behalf of PACTS with funding from The Road Safety Trust.

"We shall be gathering the views of drivers receiving the driving assessment as well as the views of the driving instructors and administrators delivering the assessments using a range of measures to determine the acceptability, utility and feasibility of this standardised approach and the effects on road safety outcomes."

A mature driver assessment is a hands-on driving evaluation for elderly motorists to refresh their abilities whilst at the wheel. The examination typically involves road users driving along a well-known local route accompanied by an examiner who will offer crucial feedback.

Assessors will evaluate aspects ranging from car handling and judgement to their alertness regarding other road users. Rob Heard, the founder and chair of the Older Drivers Forum, has said: "As we age, we can become complacent about our driving and may pick up bad habits.

We have long believed that a driving assessment is a great way for drivers as they age to understand if they are still safe to drive and assist with those losing confidence in their driving.

"We have been concerned that many of the non-medical appraisals or assessments vary in standard, cost and length which can cause confusion. We fully support this project to evaluate a standardised mature driving assessment and look forward to hearing its findings."