Drivers could have to retake driving test at new age under fresh rules

Elderly drivers would have to prove they are safe to use the roads under new driving law plans outlined in a petition on the Parliament website.

Older drivers could be forced to retake driving test at 65 under new proposals. Elderly drivers would have to prove they are safe to use the roads under new driving law plans outlined in a petition on the Parliament website.

The creator wrote: “I would like the Government to require drivers to retake their driving at 65, if they want their driving licence to remain valid. I travel a lot, and often see older drivers who I believe should not be driving. Some misuse turn signals, others appear to have sight issues.

“Reactions also worsen with age.” At 10,000 signatures, the government will respond to this petition. At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition will run for six months and was created by Deniss Fomins in February 2024.

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Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to retake your test. When you reach the age of 70 your licence does expire. However, you simply need to renew it with the DVLA. There is no legal age limit at which you must stop driving.

About three months before your 70 birthday, the DVLA will write to you with a D46P licence renewal application. Either complete and return this or use their online service. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, did not back retesting drivers but did call for eyesight checks.

He commented: “One thing that would allow all drivers – not just those at an arbitrary old age – to help judge their fitness to drive would be compulsory eye tests when licences are renewed.”

Edmund King, AA President has previously warned the massive driving test backlogs would prevent any chance of elderly drivers being re-examined. He explained: “At the moment, it is very difficult for new drivers. In many areas, there’s something like a six-month delay – there’s a 500,000 [test] backlog.

“If you then add in checks for older drivers, it really would set the calendar back by years.”