Older motorists face 'medical fitness to drive' tests and could be forced to surrender licence to DVLA

The police acknowledge that driving plays a crucial role for elderly motorists to stay mobile, active and an important part of their community.

Despite this, Essex Police is looking to address concerns that are most commonly seen with older drivers, including vision changes, reaction time and cognitive function.

East Anglian DriveAbility offers Fitness to Drive tests if it receives referrals from the DVLA, Motability, NHS and GPs, as well as self-referrals alongside Essex Police.

The non-profit charity makes decisions on the "Medical Fitness to Drive Assessment" if three key conditions are met with motorists.

This includes those who are suspected of having notifiable medical conditions that have contributed to road offences, those who already have an adapted vehicle, and people over the age of 70 years old.

Sergeant Pete Sharpe, who oversees Essex Police’s Roads Policing Investigations team, said some drivers are offered an alternative to court if they commit a road offence.

He said: "Some drivers who are involved in road-related incidents are offered the chance to take part in an assessment that is run by qualified occupational therapists and experienced driving instructors who undertake driving assessments of those referred.

"The aim is to reduce collisions by improving their standard of driving, keeping them driving for longer and safely."

Sergeant Sharpe said these initiatives consider the "unique needs" of older motorists, adding that the measures were helping build an "inclusive, age-friendly community".

When someone undertakes a Fitness to Drive assessment, several tasks are issued to find out why the driver was referred to the course.

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This includes driving licence checks for medical-related codes, medical issues and any medication that could impact driving, DVLA eyesight tests and reaction times.

Upon completion of the test, drivers will be judged as safe to drive, require further tuition or assessment, or they could be referred to the DVLA and may need to surrender their licence.

Occupational therapist Yvette Bateman has been conducting the Fitness to Drive tests for Essex Police for a decade, and clarified that the assessments are not designed to make people fail.

She added: "We welcome self-referrals from older drivers and their families, too. Educational programmes tailored to older drivers can reinforce safe driving habits and update them on changes in road laws and vehicle technologies.

"Undertaking this assessment could reassure everyone involved that their loved ones are safe to drive."

This comes as the Government plans to roll out a number of new safety initiatives to improve conditions on the road, with the Transport Secretary promising the release of the first new road safety strategy in 10 years.

Expected proposals include mandatory eyesight tests for motorists over the age of 70, stricter drink-driving limits and harsher punishments for drivers who do not make their passengers wear their seatbelts.

A new road safety strategy is expected to launch over the coming months as the Government looks to remind Britons of safe driving conditions.