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What you need to consider as an older driver

Unless your health or eyesight suddenly get worse, it can be difficult to know when you should stop driving.

Your safety – and the safety of other road users – is the most important thing to consider. If you’re concerned that your driving is not as good as it was, don’t wait for an accident to convince you to stop.

It may be time to give up driving if, for example:

• your reactions are noticeably slower than they used to be
• you find traffic conditions increasingly stressful
• your eyesight is getting worse
• you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely –ask your GP for advice

The law on medical conditions and driving

You must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. This could be previous health conditions that have worsened or new ones.

If you’re involved in an accident where your health condition may have been a factor, you could be prosecuted. Your insurance may also not cover you.

• Check whether you need to notify the DVLA of your medical condition

• What happens after you have told DVLA about your medical condition

The effect of prescription medication on driving

If you’re on prescribed medication, ask your doctor if it could affect your driving. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating.

Even common over-the-counter medicines, like painkillers or flu and cold remedies, may impair your driving. Always check the prescription label or ask your pharmacist about any medicines you buy over the counter.

The law on eyesight and driving

It’s illegal to drive if you can’t read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you need glasses or contact lenses to see this far, make sure you wear them every time you drive.

As you get older, your eyes can change without you realising. By having regular eye tests, your optician will be able to spot early signs of certain conditions that affect your ability to drive. These include:

• cataracts
• glaucoma
• diabetes

If you think that your vision is changing, speak to your optician, GP or specialist. They will be able to tell you whether you need to report any condition to the DVLA.

Driving if you have cataracts

If you have cataracts but still meet the eyesight standard for driving, you should avoid driving at night or into very bright sunlight.

Help with disabilities and driving

If driving is becoming difficult because of reduced mobility, you may be able to have your vehicle adapted. This could involve having a ramp or lift fitted to help you get in and out of your vehicle.

For more information on adapting your vehicle, follow the link below.

• Adapting your vehicle (disabled people section)

How to get an assessment of your driving skills

If you’re worried about your fitness to drive, talk to your GP or a health professional. You could also ask a driving instructor or get an experienced driver assessment to get an objective (and confidential) assessment of your driving skills. You can book a test through the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

• How to book an experienced driver assessment - RoSPA Opens new window

What to do if you decide to stop driving

If you decide to stop driving, you should contact the DVLA and tell them that you’re giving up your driving licence. If you have a medical condition you’ll need to fill in a form and send it back to the DVLA together with your licence. Follow the link below for more information.

• How to tell DVLA that you have stopped or need to stop driving

Travelling after giving up your licence

Giving up driving doesn't need to mean the end of your independence - you could use public transport instead. As you get older, you'll become eligible to free bus travel and concession on rail fares anywhere in England.

• Free bus travel and concessions

• Rail travel: fares and concessions

• Taxis and private hire vehicles