Elderly drivers in Scotland may soon be required to undergo mandatory 'old-age driving tests' to ensure their continued road safety. This potential change follows a pilot project in one region where drivers over 70 were subjected to Senior Driver Evaluations.
The evaluations included on-road assessments with an instructor in a dual-control vehicle, as well as vision and cognitive checks. Preliminary results indicated that approximately half of the drivers evaluated were deemed unsafe to drive, with many subsequently ordered to surrender their licenses.
Road safety organizations are now considering the implementation of a similar scheme across Scotland. If approved, the program would allow concerned individuals to confidentially refer elderly friends or relatives for assessment. Police Scotland has confirmed that discussions regarding the initiative are underway with road safety groups and Transport Scotland, a government agency.
"Following the successful completion of the Senior Driver Fitness to Drive Evaluations pilot scheme, recommendations have been made to partner agencies and are being considered," a Police Scotland spokesperson stated. "This project is not about removing driving licences from older drivers, it is an opportunity for them to ensure that they are still safe to be driving and about providing them with the tools to continue doing so."
Official statistics reveal that drivers aged 60 and over are involved in 22% of serious injury crashes and 24.8% of fatal collisions in Scotland. Currently, driving licenses in the UK automatically expire at age 70, requiring drivers to reapply every three years. While they must self-declare fitness to drive, no formal test is mandated.
During the trial in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, the police encouraged older drivers to volunteer for evaluation and established a confidential hotline for family and friends. Project leader Sergeant Sarah Ritchie noted the difficulty of these conversations and encouraged anyone with concerns to contact the police.
Out of 107 drivers referred during the trial, 49% recorded an unsafe outcome. Some were required to relinquish their licenses, while others were advised on improvements, such as corrective eyewear. Road Safety Scotland advises the public to observe for signs of declining driving ability in older individuals, such as new vehicle damage, difficulty with familiar routes, or delayed reactions.
The proposed measure comes in the wake of tragic accidents involving elderly drivers. One notable incident involved a 91-year-old driver whose vehicle mounted the kerb and struck a three-year-old child. A Fatal Accident Inquiry revealed the driver had been illegally parked and, while attempting a three-point turn, mistakenly accelerated, causing the fatal collision.