Driving Licence And Advancing Ages

[Redhelen72]

Over the age of 70 you have to have your licence renewed every 3 years - is that correct?
Apart from that is there anything to stop you still driving in your 90's?
I know this is probably worded poorly - but in Australia it appears you have to have a medical every year but I can't find out if anything similar exists here.
Any help appreciated.
Thanks

[dannyk13]

Yes from the age of 70 you have to renew your driving licence every three years.Nothing to stop you driving at age 90 and above but you have to notify DVLA of any adverse medical condition and this may prevent you renewing your licence.

[Redhelen72]

hmmm yes but you have to notify the DVLA of anything that could affect you.
So there is no way of the DVLA stopping you driving - I thoughts so but just wanted to double check.
Cheers

[Kardashev]

There is no age limit per se but if there are medical issues that affect driving then medical authorities with DVLA will suspend a licence. There was a TV programme on a year or two ago about 100+ year old drivers, there was even a motorcyclist over 100!

[choux]

Rub it in, why don't you, Redhelen ;)

I think if somebody dobs you in it with DVLA e.g. they have seen you driving badly or scraping another car it may mean that the DVLA investigate further. Regular eye tests are important, imo. If anyone is in doubt about their driving capability I suppose there is nothing to stop them from approaching a driving school.

I live in an area of aging population, despite new housing estates, and the most dangerous place to visit is the local town car park. Ye gods and little fishes! It helps if you keep your window down and then when you hear something like a rocket launch taking off be especially vigilant for those reversing from car spaces ;)

[Redhelen72]

Sorry Choux

We are very concerned about MIL, she had an accident on saturday - is oblivious that she is partially to blame, her car is a complete write off but she is going shopping for another car.
Now I appreciate that to give up driving will take away her independence but she only uses it to drive to the supermarket and an occasional trip into Cromer.
She has an excellent cab company 2 minutes from her house and could actually save money by getting a cab, but she is adamant that she is safe to drive.
She can barely twist to look over her shoulder, her back gives her constant pain in her back and legs and she has bad arthritis in her hands!

[zebo]

I don't think there are hard and fast rules, on Sunday I went to the garage to buy my paper and a man was getting out of his car. He was very bent over, leaning heavily on two sticks and when he started to move he could hardly put one foot in front of the other. In the shop he couldn't handle his money well and couldn't hold his newspaper, the attendant seemed used to putting it into a carrier bag on his wrist. He probably had some adaptations in his car but I was still surprised that he was still allowed to drive, but still, good luck to him.

[choux]

Difficult situation for you. Have you discussed this at all with her other son?

As you describe her physical condition I would say she is a high(er) risk for other road users as well as herself.

Without a doubt I would contact the DVLA in the strictest confidence. Whatever MIL thinks about giving up driving is nothing to how her family would feel if she had an accident injuring some other poor soul.

As you so rightly say, she probably would be better off financially to use cabs.

Cromer! No wonder I read that bit as "...excellent crab company...

[Redhelen72]

We have discussed with Son No1 and his response is 'she's getting old, let her have her freedom'!!
To be honest I do not think he can be bothered with her, but as he is part POA we have tried to include him.
She is now on about renewing her passport, we asked if she was planning on travelling to which she said no but 'Son 1' said she should!
Arghghgh

[Redhelen72]

Can't beat Cromer crabs

[choux]

It is obvious she has a "strong" personality so the cost of a new passport is down to her. If she pays for a new car and then can't renew her licence she will just have to sell it, no doubt at a loss but there you go.

[douglas9401]

Wishing 'good luck' to the frail, lame and enfeebled may be a case of misdirection.
It's the rest of us who need a guardian angel to save us from the antics of people in charge but not in control of a lethal weapon.

[barry1010]

If you have POA you could speak to her GP, see if s/he has an opinion on her fitness to drive.
Does she have any sight problems?

[Redhelen72]

She had terrible cataracts until recently - but she carried on

[Etch]

A passport appears to be the form of ID that allows you to renew a driving licence online, so maybe that's why she wants to have one.

[Redhelen72]

I doubt it - she does nothing online as we don't allow her, she gets scammed enough with a telephone!

[Maydup]

You say that she is partially to blame for the crash. Is she likely to be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention?

[Redhelen72]

I doubt that there will be any police involvement.
she has declined the courtesy car but is still adamant that she will be getting another car.
We can only hope that she decides against it.