Older Drivers and the Law

Life changes a lot as we get older. Certain things that were once easy for us, may not come quite as naturally. Driving is one of these things for many people. As you age, your reaction time can slow down and certain medical conditions can develop that affect your ability to drive.

This may present new challenges to you but do the legal requirements for driving change when you reach a certain age? In a nutshell, driving laws don’t change for older people but processes and considerations must be given more thought to ensure that you’re always safe to drive, such as your eyesight and medical conditions. Read on to find out more information about what you need to keep in mind as an older driver to stay as safe as possible and always comply with the law.

In This Guide:

• Medical Standards
• Eyesight
• Driving safely in older age
• Car Insurance

Medical Standards

No matter how old you are, you must meet the medical standards necessary to drive. If you don’t, you may not be considered safe to be behind the wheel. As you’re more likely to have medical conditions that impact you neurologically or physically in your later years, you are required to submit a medical declaration and renew your driving licence. This starts from the age of 70 years old in the UK. 

Once you have renewed your driving licence at age 70, you will then have to go through this renewal process every three years going forward. Don’t worry though - it’s straightforward to complete, as you should get an application form in the post before your 70th birthday. If you don’t, you can pick one up from a post office or contact the DVLA. If you don’t comply, your licence will expire and you won’t be able to legally drive. 

Eyesight

Your vision is also something that is taken into consideration, as you need to be able to see with clarity when you drive. It’s fine if you need contact lenses or glasses to see, just so long as you always wear them when you’re driving. In the UK, the typical vision requirement is that you can read another car’s number plate from 20 metres away. This rule applies to people of all ages but some eye conditions that are prevalent in older people could be a problem as they can deteriorate your vision, such as cataracts. That being said, many eye conditions are treatable, so be sure to speak to a doctor or optician about your options.

If you do have an eye condition, then you may need to inform the DVLA and your insurance company about this.

Driving safely in older age

As the years go by and you get older, the best driving practices can change slightly, such as vision requirements. Your driving habits may also change over time, as when you’re so used to being in the driver’s seat, you can become a complacent driver. This is why it’s always a good idea to ensure that you’re driving as safely as you can by keeping proactive and informed. This could be through driving schemes for older people, or assessments that can decipher whether or not you’re fit to still be driving. 

You could also simply do your research online through helpful, up-to-date articles or videos, as there are plenty of free resources for you to make the most of. Spending time and effort on this increases the likelihood of staying compliant and safe on the road. If you’re unsure of your current capability, you should seek guidance - for example, you could consider a refresher driving lesson or course, if that appeals to you. 

If you feel that you’re no longer safe on the road, then you should seriously consider stopping driving, as you don’t want to put yourself or anyone else at risk. It’s the sensible decision, and there are other options for you to get to where you need to be, whether it’s a free bus pass or sitting in the passenger seat from now on. Although this is something you may need to adapt to, prioritising safety is always the preferable choice.

Car Insurance

When you reach the age of 70 years old, you may find that your insurance becomes more expensive. This is because insurers consider older drivers to be more of a risk, even if they’ve not had any problems in the past. However, if you put the time and research into finding an insurer that offers policies suitable to your age group, then you can ensure that you’re fully covered in all areas and get the best value premiums available to you. For example, you may find that there are certain providers who specialise in dealing with drivers in specific age groups, such as those aged over 80 for example.

It’s always recommended that you compare insurance policies regularly to ensure you have the right cover for what you need, as your requirements may be different now you’re older, even if you’ve had the same insurer for years. Remember, car insurance is a legal requirement, and you must always be honest and inform your insurer of any health changes that could affect your driving. Failing to update your insurers about anything that may impact your policy will invalidate your cover.

To wrap it up, as we get older, staying safe and compliant on the road requires more consideration, but it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up driving altogether. The legal requirements for older drivers in the UK don’t change based on your age, but renewing your licence at 70, maintaining good eyesight when on the road, and keeping your insurance up-to-date can become increasingly important. By being proactive about your health and driving habits, you can continue driving confidently and safely for years to come. However, if you’re having doubts and questioning your driving ability, it might be time to think about switching to the passenger seat to keep yourself and others safe.