Older drivers should have licences revoked, poll suggests

Older drivers should have their licences revoked, according to more than a third of UK respondents to a new poll.

According to the survey carried out by Carmoola, 36% of the 2,000 people questioned support the idea, with five per cent believing licences should be revoked for drivers when they turn 50.

Eight per cent believe that licences should be revoked for 60-year-olds, 11% suggesting the age should be 70.

Support for this was strongest in Greater London, where 48% of respondents backed age-related licensing. However, 72% of Scots and 78% of those in Northern Ireland were opposed to the idea.

However, support for drivers having to retake their tests according to age was more widespread, with 70% in favour. The survey found that 18% believe drivers should retake tests every 10 years, 13% believe it should be every 20 years and nine per cent are in favour of retakes every 30 years.

Older drivers

However, of those who support drivers losing their licence at 70, 34% backed the idea of over 70s behind the wheel of an autonomous vehicle.

Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, said: “Our recent survey highlights that, despite no current laws mandating it, the majority of Brits believe drivers should be required to retake their tests after a certain number of years to maintain safety on UK roads.

“What stood out most to us was how opinions shifted as we look towards a future with autonomous vehicles, which could be on UK roads as soon as 2026. It’s evident that public attitudes change significantly as technology evolves, potentially offering new mobility options for millions of people across the country.”