Calls for compulsory eye tests for over-70s to carry on driving after the number of 90-year-olds with driving licences DOUBLES in the last decade

The number of 90-year-olds and over with a driving licence has doubled in a decade, prompting calls for mandatory eye tests to boost road safety.

A record 153,000 older Britons held a full licence in November, nearly a quarter of the total in that age group. 

The oldest was 109 but it is not known if she is still on the road. This compares to 77,000 ten years before and is the highest since such records began in 2012.

Now the AA has called for motorists to take eye tests to carry on driving after 70. Currently licence-holders are not subjected to mandatory checks, whatever their age.

The Department for Transport said the over-70s must renew licences every three years and reveal if a medical condition affects their driving ability (stock photo)

AA president Edmund King said ‘one check to improve road safety would be for those over 70 to show evidence of regular eye tests when renewing their licence and also stricter guidance from GPs’.

But he added that giving up driving, which is a lifeline for many, should be based on medical and family advice, not an ‘arbitrary age’. 

He also pointed out: ‘If driving restrictions based on age and safety were introduced, we would be more likely to restrict young drivers rather than older drivers.’

The Department for Transport said the over-70s must renew licences every three years and reveal if a medical condition affects their driving ability.