1 in 3 back compulsory driving test resists at 70

A third of motorists want to see the introduction of compulsory driving test resits once someone reaches 70 – with a majority of younger drivers backing the idea.

In contrast, just 11% of drivers aged 65 or older believe motorists should be required to retake their test at 70.

The largest proportion of those surveyed believe that while full retests may not be necessary, over-70s should at least undergo a compulsory eye test to ensure they remain fit to drive.

This coincides with recent calls from safety experts for older drivers to face mandatory eyesight testing.

The research, by The Green Insurer, found that just 17% believe older motorists should not face any additional tests or checks.

There are now more than 5.6 million drivers in the UK aged 70 or over, with the number expected to significantly rise in the coming decades.

"While many older motorists are among the safest on the roads our findings show that a significant number of motorists believe more should be done to ensure that older drivers remain safe," says The Green Insurer CEO Paul Baxster.

He said that, with an ageing population and increasing numbers of active pensioners, there had been talk over whether additional testing could help maintain road safety.

"We believe any future policy changes will need to strike a balance between ensuring road safety while allowing older drivers to maintain their independence," he adds.

The UK currently requires drivers over 70 to renew their licence every three years by self-certifying that they are fit to drive. There is currently no mandatory medical assessment or driving test.