Older drivers should be encouraged to take two tests (Image: Getty)
Older drivers should consider two vital tests with the UK’s “ageing population” at risk behind the wheel, according to a leading expert.
Rob Heard, founder of the , claims elderly road users should be encouraged to put themselves forward for tests and driving assessments.
Rob said that while tests allow motorists to “brush up on their skills”
Motorists must renew their every three years to stay on the roads after the age of 70
However, there are no formal mandatory checks for older motorists to pass to retain their driving freedom.
Older drivers should have their eyesight tested every two years (Image: Getty)
Despite road users not being forced to undertake assessments, Rob said older drivers should consider voluntarily putting themselves up for assessments.
, Rob said: “There’s a lot being done to support younger drivers but there’s not anything out there to support mature and older drivers, so that’s why I set up the Older Drivers Forum.
“It’s all about helping and supporting people to carry on driving as long as possible but safely.
“We do that by encouraging them for simple things like regular eyesight tests and voluntary driving assessments which is a great way to brush up on your skills.”
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The Older Drivers Forum has previously claimed road users should have an
Individuals over 60 years old may be entitled to a free eye test if they have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.
Checks could also be offered free of charge if someone has been advised by an ophthalmologist that there is a risk of developing glaucoma.
Motorists can also receive free eye tests if they receive certain social security benefits.
The Older Drivers Forum is also undertaking research into the development of a
This would introduce a to ensure local authorities test to the same standards.
However, mature driver assessments would still remain voluntary with no requirement for road users to get checked at a certain age.
Rob added: “We really know we have an ageing population and we want to help and support them to carry on as long as possible, understanding there will be a time we all need to retire from driving.”