Experts have called for a new maximum driving age to be introduced in the UK, with proposals suggesting drivers should surrender their licences "somewhere in the 80s". John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at National Accident Helpline, argued that driving fitness should become a routine part of health assessments, with medical changes reported far earlier.
The UK currently has no strict regulation requiring motorists to relinquish their driving licence at a specific age, instead relying on voluntary surrender when drivers no longer feel secure. Labour is reportedly examining a clampdown on driving regulations, including bringing in compulsory vision checks for those over 70.
However, ministers are not thought to be considering a maximum age limit for licences, though activists believe this would be the optimal approach. This represents a significant gap between expert recommendations and current government policy direction.
Public appetite for restrictions
A survey from automotive specialists Carmoola found that 36% of Britons would support a fresh maximum driving age regulation. The study of 2,000 drivers revealed that 11% favoured a maximum age of 70, whilst 8% believed it should be 60 years old, with 5% suggesting the limit should be as low as 50.
As the Northern Echo reports, the government is separately considering mandatory eye tests every three years for drivers over 70, with potential driving bans for those who fail. The Liverpool Echo confirmed these proposals form part of a broader road safety strategy due to be published in autumn 2025.
European comparison
The UK is one of only three European countries that rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems affecting driving ability, according to the Liverpool Echo. This places Britain significantly behind European standards for elderly driver safety monitoring.
Statistics from the DVLA showed that up to 5.6 million elderly drivers over 70 were still driving in 2020, highlighting the scale of the issue. Compare the Market confirmed there is currently no upper age limit for driving in the UK, with drivers able to continue into their 70s, 80s and even 90s provided they don't have medical conditions affecting their ability to drive safely.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Northern Echo", "Liverpool Echo"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
