The older driver’s handbook
When one of our clients recently reached out to us, seeking advice about how to find cover as an older drive, we were eager to help! After all, turning 70 doesn’t mean giving up your car keys. Many drivers in their 70s and beyond continue to enjoy the freedom driving provides.
We couldn’t be happier to share this guide, filled with practical tips and advice, to help older drivers keep their skills sharp, their vehicles safe, and their confidence high. Whether it’s renewing your licence, assessing your driving skills, or help finding the best insurance, we’ve got you covered.
UK driving age limits
There’s no legal age to stop driving in the UK, provided you can drive safely and have no medical conditions affecting your ability. However, you must renew your driving license at 70 and every three years thereafter. The DVLA will send you a renewal form 90 days before your 70th birthday, but you can also renew online for free.
Check your vision
When renewing your license, you must declare any medical conditions and confirm you meet eyesight standards. You must be able to:
read a car number plate from 20 metres (with glasses/contact lenses if needed).
have at least 0.5 visual acuity on the Snellen scale in both eyes or one functioning eye.
maintain an adequate field of vision, as confirmed by your optician.
Visit your optician regularly, especially if you notice changes. Over-60s are entitled to free eye tests, as are those at risk of glaucoma.
Assessing your driving skills
If it’s been a while since you passed your driving test, or if you’d like an objective review of your current skills, a driving assessment could offer peace of mind and helpful advice.
For individuals with medical conditions or disabilities, or those returning to driving after an accident, a detailed assessment can be arranged at a Driving Mobility Centre. This involves driving a dual-controlled car with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and a medical assessment with a clinician. They will evaluate how your condition impacts your driving and recommend adaptations to help you drive safely.
Experienced Driver Assessments (EDA) can reassure those feeling apprehensive about modern roads or older drivers wanting to confirm their safety behind the wheel. EDAs, available through organizations like RoSPA and IAM Roadsmart, involve an hour’s drive with feedback, a confidential report, and a certificate. Many local councils also run similar schemes—check for options near you.
Keeping you and your vehicle fit to drive
Data gathered by The Older Drivers Task Force revealed that: “drivers over the age of 70 are less likely to be involved in crashes involving speed, loss of control or alcohol”. While these are encouraging insights, there are extra steps you could take to further extend and enjoy your driving life, such as:
making modifications to your car to assist any visual or physical ailments.
if you have difficulty while walking you may qualify for a Blue Badge for accessible parking.
having regular medical and driving assessments.
telling the DVLA about any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive.
You can fit a dashcam, which can offer extra peace of mind while you’re out and about. A dashcam won’t necessarily make a difference to your insurance premium or quotes when it comes time to renew, however, could come in handy in the event of an accident.
Dashcam footage can help if you had to claim, shedding light on the incident and who was at fault. Some policies even specify that having a dashcam could save you from paying your excess in case of a claim.
Finding cover as an older driver
As you age, it can become harder to find an insurance policy. You may also find that after a certain age, your premium gets significantly pricier. So what can you do in this scenario?
Firstly, while a driving assessment most likely won’t affect your premium price, it can help you become a more confident, and therefore safer driver. So, it could help you avoid any mishaps or major incidents on the road, in turn keeping your insurance to a minimum.
Another thing to bear in mind is your vehicle value, as many people overestimate theirs. Making sure you’ve got an accurate, up-to-date valuation of your motor can crucially cut down on cost.
Finally, check that the policy you’re opting for accurately suits your driving needs. It may be that you can significantly reduce your annual mileage, or you no longer need an SDP + Commuting policy. You can also increase your excess or decide between Comprehensive, Third Party or Third Party Fire and Theft, based on your driving habits and what you drive.
The benefits of a broker
For older drivers, a broker can be especially helpful. You may find your options from insurers or comparison sites become limited as you get older. But a broker has access to specialist schemes and can utilise their relationships with insurers, to help you find the right cover.
By working with a specialist broker like Howden, not only will you get a designated account holder who will essentially do all the hard work of comparing policies for you, but you can visit us in branch. So you can sit back and relax with a warming hot drink, while an expert helps you navigate the world of car insurance!
What’s more, with a dedicated claims team, we can be there should you need us. Our team go above and beyond to manage the claims process and advocate on your behalf! Even if you’ve already sorted your policy, one of our team will happily take a look at your cover to help ensure it’s the best option for you. Find your nearest branch here and pop by or give us a call.
Sources: OlderDrivers.org, Information Now, IamRoadsmart, RoSPA
This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.
