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Scotland weighs wider assessments of older drivers after half failed trial
Scotland is considering a wider scheme to assess older drivers after a pilot in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire found that nearly half of those referred were unsafe to drive. The proposal matters because it could give police, health services and concerned relatives a way to identify drivers who may need to stop or improve their driving.
During last year’s trial, 107 drivers were referred: 44 by police, 32 by the NHS and 31 by the DVLA. Assessments included an on-road evaluation, an eyesight test and checks of mental faculties; 49 per cent had an unsafe outcome, with some asked to surrender their licences and others advised on changes such as getting better glasses. Licences currently expire at 70 and must be renewed every three years, but drivers do not have to retake a test. Official figures cited in the article say drivers over 60 are involved in 22 per cent of crashes causing serious injury and 24.8 per cent of fatal collisions in Scotland.
In short
- Scotland is considering extending assessments for older drivers.
- 107 people were referred during the pilot.
- 49 per cent had an unsafe outcome.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A wider assessment scheme could identify drivers whose eyesight, cognition or practical skills have declined, helping prevent serious collisions and giving families and professionals a clear route to raise concerns. The pilot found that nearly half of referred drivers were unsafe, and assessments sometimes led to practical adjustments rather than loss of a licence, suggesting the process could support continued safe driving as well as protect others.
The case against
A broader scheme could unfairly burden older people who remain safe drivers, especially if age itself prompts scrutiny or assessments are costly, stressful or difficult to access. The pilot involved drivers already referred by police, health services or the DVLA, so its results do not show that routine checks of older drivers would be proportionate or effective; targeted referrals and practical support may address risks with less intrusion.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘Old-age driving test’ plan to check elderly are safe to be on road”.