Age is no obstacle to driving confidence

Age Scotland was pleased to this week to discover that a 95 year old man had just taken and passed his Advanced driving test, and hoped that this would help to challenge the stereotype of older drivers being slow, nervous or dangerous drivers.

This news was quickly followed by the publishing of new research from Age Scotland Enterprises has found that (89%) over 65s in the UK are taking to the roads every day or every other day. This group is not only taking to the roads on a regular basis, they are doing so with confidence, with almost two thirds (63%) feeling very confident in their own driving abilities.

The over 65s are not just confident road users they also display a range of responsible driving behaviours. Over eight in ten (85%) say they always use their rear-view and wing mirrors in comparison to 74% of all other age groups. Furthermore nearly three quarters (73%) of over 65s always check their blind spot compared to 66% of all other age groups.

Older drivers are also less likely to engage in distracting behaviours when behind the wheel with just 7% admitting to using a mobile phone while driving, against 21% of all other ages, and less than one in five (18%) drinking tea or coffee on the move.

This latest research also challenges the stereotype of older drivers being slow, nervous or dangerous drivers. Just 29% of over 65s say they feel nervous when driving in rush hour in comparison to 31% of all other age groups. As little as a quarter (26%) are nervous driving in unfamiliar places which is far less than all other age groups (37%). Encouragingly, older drivers are also ensuring that they are in tip top condition with almost half (49%) having an eye test once a year compared to 29% of all age groups.

To help older people keep active and independent, Age UK Car Insurance, provided by Ageas Insurance Limited, has been designed to meet the needs of those in later life, offer value for money and excellent customer service. It has no upper age limit, no hidden fees for policy changes and offers a no claims discount option.

Logan Steele, General Manager of Age Scotland Enterprises said: "We have over 90,000 car insurance customers and we know that older drivers are, on the whole, confident and responsible drivers, comparing favourably with other drivers across the country. We would like to see the insurance industry taking this on board and basing insurance premiums on ability and not on the false assumption that age equals poorer driving.

"There should be no upper age limit on getting car insurance and an understanding that older drivers use their cars regularly, and responsibly, and should not be forced into giving up driving. Many older drivers are drawing on years of experience behind the wheel and are reliant on their vehicles to maintain their independence and should be enabled to continue."