Good Morning Britain Calls to Ban Drivers Over 80 or Introduce New Tests for Over 70s – Here’s Why
Experts have raised concerns about elderly drivers, with an increase in people worried about relatives driving and more licenses being revoked for medical reasons. This has sparked debates over whether older drivers should take new tests or even stop driving altogether.
On Good Morning Britain, commentator Mike Parry and Professor Robert Winston discussed the issue. Calls have been made for drivers over a certain age—such as 80 years old—to face stricter tests or be banned.
Statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents show a 9% rise in older road users being killed or seriously injured, and in 2018, nearly 22,500 drivers over 70 lost their licenses due to medical concerns.
Reports also show rising numbers of people contacting the DVLA about a driver’s ability. In 2022 alone, 48,754 concerns were submitted, a significant increase over recent years.
During the discussion, host Susanna Reid mentioned, “You might still be a very safe driver at 75.” Mike Parry agreed but stressed that cognitive abilities can decline, sharing a personal story about taking his mother’s car away at age 77 when her confidence and driving abilities weakened.
He added that as people age, the risk of sudden medical issues, like heart attacks or strokes, increases, making elderly drivers a potential danger on the road. He warned of the risks of modern cars being “lethal weapons” in the hands of someone unfit to drive.
When asked about setting an age limit, Professor Robert Winston disagreed with blanket bans, emphasizing that people’s abilities vary widely.
He supported stricter controls and possibly new licenses for elderly drivers but argued that many medical conditions occur before 70 rather than after. He also questioned whether a large number of accidents are genuinely caused by medical emergencies among older drivers.
Mike Parry countered with data suggesting a clear increase in accidents involving elderly drivers. The debate continues over whether stricter testing or age limits should be introduced to improve road safety.
