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Are you ever too old to learn to drive? Not according to Joe Price, a North Wales man who recently passed his driving test at the age of 80. Joe’s not the only example we’ve seen of older people making the choice to get behind the wheel, and there are now more people aged 70 and over with a driving licence than ever before. There’s no age at which you’re legally too old to learn to drive – as long as you do not have any health conditions that could affect your ability to stay safe on the road, there’s nothing to stop you!
Think older drivers are dangerous? Think again! Although older drivers can pose a risk if they fail to declare health problems, or continue to drive despite reduced reaction times or increased anxiety on the road, statistics suggest that older people are actually less likely to be involved in an accident than 17-19 year olds. In 2011, there were 11,946 reported accidents amongst teen drivers, compared to a lower 10,974 amongst the over 70s. While it could be argued that this is because older drivers have been on the roads for many years building experience, even older learners may prove to be safer on the roads, according to the experts.
Professional driving instructors believe that it’s not just on-the-road experience that makes older drivers safer – it’s general life experience, too. One instructor claims that ‘older learners have much better road sense, judgment skills and speed awareness. They’ve usually been passengers for years, and are often parents, so more likely to recognise potential hazards. They take safety seriously’. The Institute of Advanced Motorists adds to this, stating that older drivers tend to naturally adopt a more cautious and restrained driving style, having outgrown the overconfidence and risk-taking nature that comes with youth.
Although it’s normal to be nervous about passing your driving test, especially if you’re a mature learner, figures from 2011 show that, statistically speaking, you’re more likely to pass your car test at age 71 than you are at age 28, with an average pass rate of 43.1 percent compared to 42.9 percent. However, keep in mind that ‘it gets a good deal harder when you get older to pass first time because older people are a lot more nervous’ – so don’t give up!
Learning to drive is a big step towards maintaining a strong sense of independence, individuality, and freedom during retirement. A loss of independence is one of the biggest reported fears amongst the elderly in the UK today, but getting behind the wheel is an excellent way to address these worries. Take Joe, for instance. Joe took the decision to take his driving test at 80 following a change in his wife’s health that would have seen the couple become more isolated if he was unable to drive. Joe’s driving licence has given the pair a new lease of life, with the freedom to visit friends, pop out for tea, or head off for a round of golf. Where will your license take you?
