One in five motorists aged over 50 says they believe they would fail their driving test if they had to take it again today.
The research from Rias found that the average older driver took their test 40 years ago, with a 72 per cent increase witnessed in the last 20 years in the number of licence holders aged over 70. Last year Auto Trader called for all pensioners to have to retake their driving test, with 22 per cent saying they do not think they would pass.
As Britain is faced with an ageing population and an older workforce, the news could have implications on those obtaining a road risk insurance policy. Indeed, whether it is an older mechanic getting their own insurance to drive customers’ vehicles or a motor trade business with employees over 50, the age of named drivers could influence the cost of the policy.
According to the research, 61 per cent of motorists aged over 50 believe their driving style has changed over the years, with 27 per cent saying they now drive more slowly than they used to.
Another finding was that nine in 10 of drivers aged over 60 do not worry about deteriorating eyesight affecting their driving. This is despite research which shows accidents caused by poor driver vision are estimated to cause 2,900 casualties and cost £33 million a year.
