UK offers drivers to retake driving test after 65 years of age

In February 2024, Denis Fomins sent a petition to the Parliament's website proposing to oblige drivers to retake their driving tests at the age of 65 if they want their driving license to remain valid. "I travel a lot and often see elderly drivers who, in my opinion, should not be driving. Some of them don't use turn signals correctly, others have vision problems," Denis explained his decision.

In Britain, there is currently no requirement to retake a driving test just because of age. When you reach the age of 70, your license expires. However, you just need to renew it with the DVLA. There is no legal age at which you have to stop driving," writes the Bristol Live website.

According to new plans for driving licenses, outlined in a petition on the website of the Parliament, older drivers will have to prove that they can safely use the roads, the Express reports. If the petition gains 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be discussed in Parliament.

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, did not support re-testing drivers. He commented: "The only thing that would allow all drivers, not just older drivers, to assess their fitness to drive is a mandatory eye test when they renew their licenses."

Edmund King, president of the AA, has previously warned that massive backlogs of driving tests will prevent older drivers from passing their tests. He explained: "It is very difficult for new drivers at the moment. In many regions, there is something like a six-month delay – the backlog of 500,000 people in passing the exams. If you add tests for old drivers, it will cause even more delays."

Travel Wise previously wrote about what you need to know about driving in Europe. Requirements and tips to help you make driving in Europe more comfortable and safe, as well as avoid fines and problems.