At Ashworth Motoring Law Ltd, we support elderly drivers and want to ensure their safe continued use of the roads.
Elderly drivers have the benefit of many years of driving experience and have spent a lifetime honing their skills on the road.That being said, it’s no secret that as we get older, our bodies become more susceptible to medical conditions that could impact on our ability to safely navigate the roads.
We’ve put together some information to remind elderly drivers of their legal obligations to ensure that they remain safe and legal on our roads:
The law on elderly drivers:
- You must renew your driving licence once you reach 70 years old.
- Once renewed at age 70, your driving licence must be renewed every 3 years thereafter.
- Legally, it is your own responsibility to ensure that you are fit to drive.
- You must report any notifable medical condition to the DVLA. The DVLA could tell you that you are free to continue driving based on the information that you have provided or they could invite you to attend a medical, or driving assessment. In some instances, and in the interests of your safety, they could decide that you are no longer fit enough to drive. A list of all notifiable conditions can be found at gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving.
- Failure to report a notifiable condition could result in you being prosecuted, receiving a fine of up to £1000.00 and would likely invalidate your policy of insurance.
- All motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away. Police can require you to take an on-the-spot eye test if they are concerned about your vision. If you fail an on-the-spot eyesight test, the police can make an immediate request for to the DVLA to revoke your licence.
For further information and assistance:
There is now a dedicated website which is aimed at keeping elderly drivers safe on the roads; www.olderdrivers.org.uk. The site has lots of useful features which can help you to assess for yourself whether your driving meets the legal standards, whether you require additional training or adjustments, or whether it’s time to hang up the car keys for good.
Article written by Expert Motoring Lawyer, Alison Ashworth; Managing Director of Ashworth Motoring Law.
Found this information useful? Share it with a friend!
Ashworth Motoring Law are specialists in defending all types of driving offences. To discuss your case with one of our expert motoring law solicitors call our free motoring law helpline on 0330 33 22 770, email enquiries@ashworthmotoringlaw.co.uk or make an enquiry using our online form. The specialist motoring law solicitors at Ashworth Motoring Law look forward to hearing from you.