Drivers over 70 recognise benefits of refresher course, report shows

Report calls for driving needs of older motorists to be reviewed.

The 2010 RAC Report on Motoring reveals that 84 per cent of drivers aged 70 or over acknowledge the value of a refresher course.

It states that the driving needs of older motorists must be reviewed to meet the demands and concerns of this growing category of road users.

The report shows that 80 per cent of over 70s have been driving over 30 years, and 45 per cent driving 50 years or more, although 86 per cent have had no additional driver training or assessment since passing their test.

Alongside a refresher course on everything in the standard driving test, 53 per cent would like to see the course cover winter weather driving, 45 per cent would like driving at night, 44 per cent parking, 43 per cent motorways and dual carriageways, 40 per cent junctions and 33 per cent learning more about your car.

However, 38 per cent wouldn’t be prepared to pay for a refresher course.

The report shows 70 per cent of motorists are concerned about older drivers on the roads, and three quarters of over 70s motorists disagree with imposing a maximum age limit for driving, compared to half of all motorists.

69 per cent of motorists think there should be compulsory medical checks, compared to 34 per cent of older drivers, and 61 per cent of motorists also think there should be compulsory driving evaluations at age 70, compared to 22 per cent of older drivers.

83 per cent of over 70’s drivers say it would be very hard to adjust their lifestyle with no car, but half would use their car less if public transport were better.

The RAC’s David Bizley says: "Older motorists have the challenge of personal mobility and independence and RAC would welcome Government initiatives to help them to continue to drive safely."

Further information:
RAC