Sad news for drivers over 70, they will soon no longer be able to…
Are Older Drivers Still Fit to Drive?
Should elderly drivers be retested like students reviewing for an exam? Age alone doesn’t define driving ability, but certain signs—like slowed reflexes or poor vision—warrant caution.
A tragic example occurred in La Rochelle, where an 83-year-old driver going the wrong way struck a group of children on bicycles. The incident raised a tough but necessary question: how long can one drive safely?
According to France’s Road Safety Authority, drivers over 75 are involved in as many accidents as those aged 18–24. Age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time play a role.
Yet in France, there’s no age limit. A standard B license remains valid for life unless revoked due to serious infractions. This differs from countries like Italy or Germany, which require health checks starting at age 70 or 75.
As the population ages, reevaluating driving regulations may be key to balancing independence and public safety.
What you need to consider as an older driver
You must renew your driving licence every three years after you turn 70, but there are no laws on what age you must stop driving.
Renew your driving licence at 70 plus
Unless your health or eyesight suddenly get worse, it can be difficult to know when you should stop driving.
Your safety and the safety of other road users are the most important things to consider. If you’re concerned that your driving is not as good as it was and you may be putting yourself or other road users at risk – stop before you have an accident.
It may be time to give up driving if:
your reactions are noticeably slower than they used to be
you find traffic conditions increasingly stressful
your eyesight is getting worse
you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely – ask your GP for advice
The law on medical conditions and driving
You must tell the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) about any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. This could be previous health conditions that have worsened or new ones.
If you’re involved in an accident where your health condition may have been a reason, you could be prosecuted. Your insurance may also not cover you.
Check whether you need to tell the DVA of your medical condition.
Medical conditions and driving
Lorry and bus licence medical questionnaires
When to tell DVA about a medical condition
Car and motorcycle medical questionnaires
The effect of prescription medication on driving
If you’re on prescribed medication, ask your doctor if it could affect your driving. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating.
Some common over-the-counter medicines like painkillers or flu and cold remedies, may impair your driving. Always check the prescription label or ask your pharmacist about medicines you buy over the counter.
The law on eyesight and driving
It’s illegal to drive if you can’t read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you need glasses or contact lenses to see this far, make sure you wear them every time you drive.
As you get older, your eyes can change without you realising. By having regular eye tests, your optician will be able to spot early signs of conditions that affect your ability to drive. These include:
cataracts
glaucoma
diabetes
If you think that your vision is changing, speak to your optician, GP or specialist. They will be able to tell you whether you need to report any condition to the DVA.
Driving if you have cataracts
If you have cataracts but still meet the eyesight standard for driving, you should avoid driving at night or into very bright sunlight.
Help with disabilities and driving
If driving is becoming difficult because of reduced mobility, you may be able to have your vehicle adapted. This could involve having a ramp or lift fitted to help you get in and out of your vehicle.
You can find out more under ‘Adapting your vehicle’ on this page:
Motoring, travel and transport for people with disabilities
How to get an assessment of your driving skills
If you’re worried about your fitness to drive, talk to your GP or a health professional. You could also ask a driving instructor for an assessment to get an impartial (and confidential) assessment of your driving skills.
What to do if you decide to stop driving
You should contact the DVA and tell them that you’re giving up your driving licence. If you have a medical condition, you’ll need to fill in a form and send it back to the DVA together with your licence.
Surrendering your driving licence and when to reapply
Travelling after giving up your licence
Giving up driving doesn’t need to mean the end of your independence. You could use public transport instead. As you get older, you’ll become eligible for free bus travel and concessions in Northern Ireland.