Drivers 'could face health checks every 10 years'Report says drivers face physical and mental tests
31 December 2008
Drivers could face health checks every ten years
Drivers could face new health tests every 10 years to ensure that they are fit to be behind the wheel, it has been reported.
Motorists would be able to choose whether to take the tests, but risk a criminal record if they are later found to fall short of standards, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The idea would be for drivers to declare themselves fit to drive every decade, with the option of submitting themselves to tests against new minimum physical and mental requirements.
DVLA tests
Issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), they are likely to cover eyesight and reaction times.
The Telegraph said that the proposals are set to be unveiled in the New Year, although a Department for Transport (DfT) official described the report as ‘speculation’.
However, the DfT launched a consultation earlier this year into ways of improving road safety, amid concern about the growing numbers of elderly drivers.
Car use
A DfT spokesperson said: ‘Increasing car use, changes in the population's health and medical advances all mean that the demands on the health and driver licensing system are very different to those of 30 years ago - when it was established.
‘We are considering these issues carefully and intend to consult on how we can improve the service we offer drivers.’
© Press Association 2008
If you can no longer drive, or simply don’t want the burden of running a car anymore, consider joining a car-share scheme. Our expert guide shows you what’s involved in car-share schemes and offers tips on staying safe.
Sign up to the Which? Car newsletter
All the latest car news
For daily consumer news, subscribe to the here.
If you have an older web browser you may need to copy and paste this link into your newsreader: http://www.which.co.uk/feeds/reviews/news.xml . Find out more about RSS in the Which? guide to news feeds.
Which? Car email
To be kept in the loop on all the manufacturer offers and great car deals we spot each week, sign up for our Which? Car email - delivered to your inbox every Friday, and including all our latest news and first drive reviews, too.
