Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps the (a) Government and (b) DVLA has taken to ensure that people over 70 are assessed to ensure safety when driving.
The existing process is that drivers must renew their driving entitlement at the age of 70 and every three years after that. This provides a timely reminder to individuals to consider their health in the context of driving. To renew they must make a legal declaration that they can meet the standards and confirm whether they have any listed medical condition. Those who advise of a medical condition will be investigated and a driving licence will only be issued if they can meet the appropriate health standards.
The Department for Transport announced in June 2018 that it has identified older people as one of four priority road user groups which will be included in the forthcoming Road Safety Statement and action plan. The DVLA is working closely with the Department on this.