Driver assessments for over 60s backed by four-in-five motorists

Voluntary driving tests for over 60s would be welcomed by four out of five (80%) motorists, according to new research.

October’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows strong support for the introduction of standardised mature driver assessments, which are being backed by a variety of bodies including the Road Safety Trust and Older Driver Task Force.

In the research, more than half (59%) say the tests will help drivers check if they are still safe and almost half (47%) would happily take an assessment.

Soime 38% also said that it could help with insurance costs for older drivers and 36% that many more older people are driving and the tests would therefore prove useful.

However, one third (33%) of respondents say older drivers shouldn’t really be on the road, a fifth (22%) say that those who most need to take an assessment would avoid it, 9% would never take the test and 7% believe that people should just be left to carry on driving.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Mature driver assessments are a really interesting idea for improving road safety and our research shows a very high level of public backing for their introduction.

“They would be entirely voluntary and have no legal implications for anyone taking them but are designed to help older people make informed decisions about their safety on the road, and ultimately even whether they should keep driving.

“As everyone ages, they are likely to suffer from a range of issues that could affect their performance as a motorist ranging from reduced reaction times to poorer eyesight and hearing, and the assessments should show to what extent these represent a risk.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research.