New plans for 'more dangerous' elderly drivers to do refresher courses slammed as a 'myth'

Such proposals have generally been lobbied at elderly motorists, who could be more at risk of accidents as a result of their health.

Drivers are already required to renew their licence every three years once they reach 70 years of age, rather than every 10 years for other age groups.

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Some experts have even called for motorists to undergo additional eyesight testing once they reach an advanced age.

Motorists must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres away when they take their driving test, with people needing to inform the DVLA of any changes which could impact their experience behind the wheel.

New proposals from the European Commission suggest that drivers over 70 could be required to undergo regular medical tests and even refresher courses every five years.

This is part of a review in to current European Union rules on driving licences, with the EU pushing for Vision Zero by 2050 to cut the number of serious injuries and deaths on the road to zero.

Professor Desmond O’Neill, the chairperson of the Irish Society of Physicians in Geriatric Medicine, said the measure could force drivers off the road with new screening measures.

He said: “This is the myth that won’t die – that older drivers are more dangerous and that by screening them, we reduce crashes,” the Journal reported.

He warned that it could also give some drivers an extreme level of confidence which could result in more accidents and thus an increased rate of accidents.

O’Neill claimed the blanket screening of older motorists based solely on age could have an impact on taxes raised from motoring.

In the Republic of Ireland, motorists aged between 65 and 71 years old can renew a licence up to their 75^th birthday, while those aged between 72 and 74 are only able to obtain a three-year licence.

Anyone over the age of 75 can either get a one or three-year licence, provided they have been given the go-ahead by a doctor.

Professor O’Neill has called for better car safety measures, noting that vehicles were largely designed for 30-year-old males weighing 70kg rather than 75-year-olds.

He added: “It still remains an area that’s not adequately provided to doctors because, with the right advice, you can continue driving safely for somewhat longer than people might have thought.”

The European Union saw that 5,400 people over the age of 65 were killed on roads in 2021, with 55 per cent of these being vulnerable road users.

Other proposals put forward by the European Commission include mandatory training for professional van drivers.

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Further suggestions could allow children as young as 16 to drive cars that are fitted with a speed limiter.