Driving changes and new road laws for over-70s in 2025

According to UK government data, whilst the number of drivers involved in collisions decreases with age, the rate of collisions per billion vehicle miles travelled increases for drivers aged 76 and above, with the highest rate seen in drivers aged 86 and older; this means that while the number of over 70s drivers involved in accidents is relatively low, their accident rate per miles driven tends to be higher compared to younger drivers.

Motoring data also reveals that whilst motorists over the age of 70 are less likely to be involved in collisions involving speed, they are 38% more likely to be involved in collisions where they do not look properly. There have been many notable cases recently where elderly drivers have driven the wrong way down a motorway/dual carriageway or have crossed over to the other side of a rural road.

Current rules

When you reach the age of 70, your driving licence expires – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving. There is no legal age at which you must stop driving. You can decide when to stop as long as you don’t have any medical conditions that affect your driving. If you want to continue, you don’t need to retake your driving test, you just need to do two things:

Renew your licence. You’ll need to renew it every 3 years after that. Renewal is free of charge.
Make a health declaration. This states that you can read a car number plate from 20 meters away/have an adequate field of vision

Whilst many over 70s still drive because it’s a sign of independence, some do it because public transport options could be limited. However, the government has announced a plan to improve road safety, which could include proposals for new driving laws for drivers over 70. Most of these 6 proposals are about keeping them driving longer whilst making sure they are safe on the roads:

Driving test assessments. There is increasing pressure to implement more frequent driving assessments for older drivers to ensure they remain safe on the roads. Obligatory review of skills, plus a check to see if they have any medical issues is currently being discussed.
Car tax changes. If you’re an older driver, car tax changes aren’t in your favour. From April 2025, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for petrol and diesel vehicles will increase dramatically, potentially leading to a rise of up to £2,745. Plus, the cost of keeping a car is also set to climb with potential increases of around £418.
Eyesight Test. According to a road safety specialist, roughly 10% of drivers over the age of 70 are hampered by inadequate eyesight, a statistic expected to worsen further into old age. New rules would mean that drivers over 70 would be required to have regular and compulsory eyesight tests.
Cognitive ability testing. Drivers aged 70 and over would be required to have regular cognitive assessments, because mental sharpness fades with age.
Fit-to-drive test. Rather than just ticking the box to say they are fit and healthy to drive, over 70’s would need to do a practical assessment whenever they renew their licence.
Car insurance. Elderly drivers often face soaring car insurance premiums and in some cases are unfairly being denied access to reasonably priced insurance. New rules would mean that older drivers would be provided with viable alternatives.

Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation, at Alsters Kelley said. “If you’re turning 70 soon, or have a partner/family member or friend who is, now is the time to take action. With changes on the way, it’s crucial to understand how these new rules will affect you and your loved ones.”

If you require guidance on the new rules, please get in touch with our solicitors.