Motorists have rejected calls for older drivers to face new tests (Image: Getty)
Motorists have rejected demands for new to keep hold of their with road users blasting the idea as “ageist”.
An exclusive poll from Express.co.uk found that a staggering 74% of respondents, over 18,000 individuals, rejected the idea of new checks.
Tests for older road users were only supported by 23% of those who answered the poll, or under 5,900 individuals.
Just 3% of road users said they were not sure whether tests should come into effect either way.
It comes after a judge looking into the death of three-year-old Xander Irvine, stressed motorists above the 80 to keep hold of their licence.
New assessments may be needed to retain a driving licence (Image: Getty)
Instead, any driving licence renewal should not be awarded after this age unless road users undergo a “short initial cognitive assessment”.
Express readers of a rules change with many suggesting they would not pay for checks themselves.
@BumpyGrollix said: “As an 80 yo, I’m not averse to facing a retest, but imo, that shouldn’t be a routine requirement.
“But if a policeman has cause to stop older [or even younger] drivers because of some significantly poor driving, then maybe anyone caught like that should face a retest irrespective of age?”
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One reader explained: “You must be joking. For one the biggest road risks out there are in the 18 to 40-year-old brackets.
“Additional to this just when will tests be carried out? At present there is massive waiting lists to take driving tests. Complete nonsense suggestion, just make them have a medical and eyesight test at every 3 yearly renewal. Works for HGV drivers every 5 years. Much more practical.”
Reader @Orchide added: “If I decide to continue to drive at 80 (4 years to go) then I won’t mind taking a test as long as it’s free.
“If they expect us to pay for the test then this is just another Labour instigated way to steal even more from us pensioners.
“If there’s a fee and IF I decide to keep driving then I will drive without a retest. END OF!”
Another Express reader stressed: “Interesting concept, not sure how this cognitive test would be administered, or by whom?
“Equally it would have to be free of charge I think, otherwise it could be construed as being ageist and unfair to a person of age whose income is at least half that of a full-time living wage recipient at current levels.”