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.