Pensioners will face tougher driving laws as over-70s have had their driving licences cancelled automatically by the DVLA. People must apply to renew their licences once they turn 70, and then every three years after that. This is for safety reasons and so any medical conditions which may impact driving can be flagged up to the motoring agency.
Exclusive data showed hundreds of pensioners had decided not to renew as they chose not to continue driving. It comes ahead of tough new rules which will see over-70s face mandatory eyesight tests to ensure they are fit to stay behind the wheel. But we found some drivers had not bothered trying to renew, meaning they surrendered their licences.
There are a number of reasons pensioners may decide to stop driving, including costs involved or no longer needing a car to get about. But some cases may also be linked to medical conditions, including eyesight-related conditions. Tens of thousands of seniors have been taken off the roads for this reason in recent years.
Freedom of information data obtained by BirminghamLive showed that last year 1,188 people "did not make an application to renew their entitlement to drive upon expiry at the age of 70". There were another 611 this year up to the end of February.
Some people may have decided it was no longer safe for them to continue to be behind the wheel, or family members or doctors may have stepped in with advice. They may have anticipated the DVLA refusing renewal applications in any case.
The Government is planning a much tougher line with older motorists following a number of tragedies. Older people currently have to report any medical ailments themselves, a system which has attracted criticism.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: "Sufficient eyesight is crucial for safe driving at any age, as clear vision is essential for spotting hazards and reacting quickly behind the wheel. While the Government's consultation on introducing mandatory eye tests for older drivers is a positive step towards improving road safety, it's important to recognise that eyesight can change over time, and many motorists may not realise when their vision no longer meets the legal standard, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away."
