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About us:

We know that older motorists have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However, sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as it once was.

Fragility increases with age, so injuries tend to be more serious and recovery takes much longer. Casualty rates do increase for car drivers aged over about 65, and the fatality rate increases significantly.

The Older Drivers Forum is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers to support mature motorists on how to continue driving safely for longer.

The Forum is passionate that none of us become complacent about our driving but take steps to make sure we are safe to drive, as long as we are fit to do so.

The Forum’s website is full of practical information and tips including how to renew your licence, how to identify eyesight and medical conditions, and where to book a confidence boosting assessment to refresh driving skills.

We regularly run events and webinars, many are recorded and can be found on our website for you to watch in the comfort of your home.

So do dip in and take a look! Also register to receive regular updates on our activities.

The Forum does not perform any legal function, and we do not have the authority to revoke driving licences.

We work nationally with Road Safety Organisations, Department for Transport and Government departments, constantly seeking the most effective means to support safer driving into old age.

The Older Drivers Forum are here to help:

  • With practical advice on how to keep driving safely for longer
  • Plan an independent life without a car
  • Families and carers concerned about a mature driver

We’ll be constantly adding advice and news for older drivers to our page so please keep coming back for all the latest updates and click on our ‘FOLLOW’ button, enter your email and we will send you updates on what we are doing.

Why not explore the web site and see all the advice, videos, brochures, recommendations on driving assessments and much more we give to help you, or someone you know, carry on driving safely for longer.

Useful Links:

  • Click here to find a Mature Driver Assessment in your area for your needs
  • Click here to find a Specially Trained Approved Driving Instructor for Mature Drivers
  • Click here to see our recorded Webinars
  • Click here to find advice for Older / Mature Drivers
  • Click here to fin advice for Family and Friends of a Mature Motorist
  • Click here to see Videos to help mature motorists
  • Click here to find see range of useful Advice

In the meantime, got a question? Click here to contact us.

Below are just some exciting things going on:

Have Your Say! – POLL

This poll invites drivers to share their views on proposed Government changes to eyesight testing and driving licence renewal, including plans being considered by the Department for Transport to introduce compulsory eyesight tests from age 70. As eyesight can change gradually over time — often without obvious symptoms — good vision is essential for safe driving, and your experience and opinion matter. With free NHS eyesight tests already available to many people across the UK, this poll is an opportunity to have your say on how any future changes could affect you and other drivers. All responses are completely anonymous, and taking part is quick and straightforward. Click here to find out more and have your say. Your views can help shape the future of driving policy.

FREE Webinar – Mature Drivers & the New Road Safety Strategy 

The webinar will report on the response from road safety organisations and in the media and share information on how to be involved in the consultation process which closes on 31 March 2026. Whether you drive daily or occasionally, this session will help you understand the proposed changes and plan accordingly. Click here for more information

New Road Safety Strategy – Information for Mature and Older Drivers

We recognise that many older drivers may have questions or concerns about the New Road Safety Strategy 2026 and what the proposed changes may mean for them. We want to offer reassurance that these measures are intended to make Britain’s roads safer and fairer for everyone, including those of us in later life. They are not designed to undermine independence or unfairly single out older drivers. To read more about the changes and overview then click here

The Do’s and Don’ts of Clearing Frosted Windscreens & Winter Driving

Cold winter mornings are a familiar challenge for UK drivers. Frosted windscreens can tempt even experienced motorists into bad habits that risk fines, damage to vehicles, or serious collisions. Knowing the correct way to clear your windscreen—and how to drive safely once you’re on the road—is essential during winter months. Click here to read a practical guide to the do’s and don’ts of clearing frosted windscreens and driving in winter conditions.

ADAS – Understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems 

Road collisions remain a leading cause of death and serious injury in the UK. Each year, around 1,700 people begin journeys they tragically do not complete and many of these incidents are entirely preventable. Advanced driver assistance systems, also referred to as ADAS are a range of technologies fitted to modern vehicles that enhance safety, improve awareness, and support drivers in both routine and emergency situations. Some features are always active, some require driver input, and others only engage in critical moments. Understanding how they work can help you get the most out of your vehicle and stay safer on the road. Click here to read more and see explanatory videos

Is Your Vision Roadworthy? – Vision and Driving Campaign

Today our chair Rob Heard MBE, Eye Health UK and University of Warwick have launched our third annual roadside vision screening campaign to raise awareness of eyesight rules for motorists called the ‘Is Your Vision Roadworthy?’ To read more CLICK HERE

Your opinions on this website wanted!

We are planning improvements to our website and would like your views on what you like or don’t like about the current layout and content.  If you are interested, please click on this link to take our survey which should take 10 – 15 minutes to complete:  https://warwick.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBYxecxizOKhF8q or click here

Chair off Older Drivers Forum awarded MBE

Yesterday our chair, Rob Heard, attended Windsor Castle for the investiture of my MBE, which was awarded by Prince William. To read more click here

Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum webinars

2462862---ODF-logo-for-Gloucestershire-1Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum run regular webinars on numerous subjects to find out more click here

Channel 5 Documentary – ‘Cause of Death – Licence to Kill’

We would urge everyone to watch this documentary on Channel 5 which highlights the death of 4 pedestrians due to drivers with defective vision who knew they have defective vision but still drove causing devastating consequences. When 90% of driving is visual, we all need to make sure our vision meets the standards for vision for driving. Click here to read more and get the link

Call for compulsory Eyesight testing after Fatal Collisions 

Our Chair. Rob Heard MBE, this week attended an inquest in Preston as an expert witness for the death of 4 people who were killed by drivers with defective vision. As a result the Coroner has called for changes to be made. Our chair appeared on BBC Breakfast to

Older Drivers Forum on BBC Morning Live – Retiring from Driving

IMG_1137On Wednesday 26th March 2025 BBC Morning Live ran a piece about retiring from driving. This featured 85 year old Rose who decided to retire from driving after attending one of the Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum brilliant and informative webinars. To read more and see the piece click here

Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum win award

Impact Awards 210325We are so pleased to announce that Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum has been recognised and they have been given an award for the differences they have made to many. To read more about this click here

ITV Tonight programme – “Older Drivers: Danger at the Wheel?”

IMG_1431On Thursday 23rd January 2025 the ITV Tonight programme ran a 30 minute documentary on Older Drivers and is very well balanced and worth watching. To watch the programme and learn more click here

Older Drivers Forum Chair receives MBE

Rob Heard

We are pleased to announce that our chair, Rob Heard, was awarded an MBE for Road Safety and particularly for his Older Drivers work in the 2025 New Years Honours List. Click here to read more and what Rob has said about receiving the award.

Click here to listen to a BBC Radio Solent interview with him shortly after the list came out.

Is Your Vision Roadworthy?

Is Your Vision Roadworthy? Hero Image RectangleRead all about a recent campaign looking at Vision and Driving and the worrying number of motorists driving on Britain’s roads with sub-standard vision. This was covered on the BBC Morning Live on 5th December 2024 and can be also viewed on this article. Click here to read all about this

Media Interest on Mature Driver Assessments

old-0059There is a lot in the press at the moment about Older Drivers and Mature Driver Assessments in this post we discuss why and what is happening. Click here to read

 

 

NATIONAL WEB SITE
For advice, support and courses nationally then visit:
www.olderdrivers.org.uk

SITE OWNERSHIP
This site is supported by Hampshire Constabulary Road Safety Team as such follows the same Privacy requirements as them.

PRIVACY NOTICE
To find out more about how we treat personal data and how to exercise your data rights, see our privacy notice

For an introduction in British Sign Language, please see below.

In the meantime, got a question? Post a comment below or contact us here.

Thank you.

iStock_000009846717Large - CROPPED

Have Your Say! POLL

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Purpose of this poll

This poll seeks the views of drivers to changes proposed by the Government to eyesight testing and driving licence renewal requirements.

Research consistently shows that eyesight can deteriorate with age, often gradually and without obvious symptoms. Good vision is critical to safe driving, as most of the information needed to drive is visual.  It is worth noting that free NHS eyesight tests are available to residents of England and Wales aged 60 and over, as well as those with certain medical conditions. NHS eyesight tests are free for all residents of Scotland regardless of age.

This poll has been developed in response to the Department for Transport’s consideration of introducing compulsory eyesight testing at driving licence renewal from age 70 onwards.  This would replace the current system whereby drivers are asked to declare that their eyesight meets the current driving standards by completing a DVLA form at licence renewal.

We would like to know what you think about this proposal and how it might affect you.

All responses are collected anonymously so you will not be identifiable.  You can leave the poll at any time simply by closing your browser.

Please click here to take the poll:

https://warwick.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6lHtLCXQ9dSiljU

Have Your Say!

Posted on by

Purpose of this poll

This poll seeks the views of drivers to changes proposed by the Government to eyesight testing and driving licence renewal requirements.

Research consistently shows that eyesight can deteriorate with age, often gradually and without obvious symptoms. Good vision is critical to safe driving, as most of the information needed to drive is visual.  It is worth noting that free NHS eyesight tests are available to residents of England and Wales aged 60 and over, as well as those with certain medical conditions. NHS eyesight tests are free for all residents of Scotland regardless of age.

This poll has been developed in response to the Department for Transport’s consideration of introducing compulsory eyesight testing at driving licence renewal from age 70 onwards.  This would replace the current system whereby drivers are asked to declare that their eyesight meets the current driving standards by completing a DVLA form at licence renewal.

We would like to know what you think about this proposal and how it might affect you.

All responses are collected anonymously so you will not be identifiable.  You can leave the poll at any time simply by closing your browser.

Please click here to take the poll:

https://warwick.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6lHtLCXQ9dSiljU

FREE Webinar – Mature Drivers & the New Road Safety Strategy

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NAVIGATING CHANGE
Mature Drivers & the New Road Safety Strategy    

Join us for an informative webinar when we unpack the Government’s New Road Safety Strategy published on 7 January 2026. We will examine,

  • How mature drivers are characterised
  • Risks and issues identified for them
  • Support and interventions proposed for mature drivers

The webinar will report on the response from road safety organisations and in the media and share information on how to be involved in the consultation process which closes on 31 March 2026.

Whether you drive daily or occasionally, this session will help you understand the proposed changes and plan accordingly.

Reserve your free place now: https://tinyurl.com/2rk37y39

Please share this information with anyone who may benefit.

Comments from last month’s webinar:

“Thank you, a very helpful webinar.” Deb
“Really insightful! Thanks.” Jayshree
“Thanks so much Nigel. Very informative.” Moira

TyreSafe partners with Older Drivers Forum to support safer driving for longer

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TyreSafe partners with Older Drivers Forum to support safer driving for longer

Visit our Tyre Safe page to find useful tips on keeping our Tyres safe

UK road safety charity TyreSafe has announced a new partnership with the Older Drivers Forum, aimed at helping mature motorists, approximately 6.3 million drivers aged 70 and over, with a better understanding of the critical role tyres play in staying safe on the road as driving conditions and personal capabilities change with age.

The new partnership will focus on ensuring older drivers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to reduce risk — with particular emphasis on tyre condition, inflation and tread depth. Tyres play a vital role in braking performance and vehicle control, particularly in wet conditions where stopping distances are significantly increased. Research highlights just how critical tyre condition can be:

  • At 70mph, worn tyres have seven times more effect on total stopping distance in wet weather than drinking alcohol
    (Source: Halfords plc and Professor Peter Wells, Cardiff University, December 2022)
  • At 70mph, worn tyres add 27 metres — or 28% — to the Highway Code baseline stopping distance
    (123m vs. 96m baseline)
    (Source: Halfords plc and Professor Peter Wells, October 2023)
  • At 50mph, wet braking distances increased by 6.9m on tyres at the legal minimum of 1.6mm compared to new tyres, while tyres with 3mm tread took only 2.7m longer to stop
    (Source: Continental Tyres)

These differences can be critical for drivers who may already be compensating for reduced reaction times or eyesight changes.

Through the partnership, TyreSafe and the Older Drivers Forum will work together to raise awareness of how maintaining roadworthy tyres — correct pressure, good condition and sufficient tread — can help improve safety and confidence behind the wheel.

“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and their condition can make a profound difference to stopping distances and vehicle control,” said Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe.
“As we get older, even small increases in braking distance can have serious consequences. By working with the Older Drivers Forum, we want to ensure mature drivers understand how simple tyre checks can help them continue driving safely and confidently for longer.”

“Many older drivers want clear, practical advice they can trust,” said Rob Heard MBE, Chair of the Older Drivers Forum. “Our partnership with TyreSafe strengthens the support we can offer by highlighting the importance of tyres in real-world driving situations. Understanding how tyre condition affects stopping distances and vehicle control helps older drivers make informed decisions that protect themselves and others.”

TyreSafe will support the Forum with tyre safety expertise, educational content and evidence-based messaging, reinforcing the importance of regular tyre checks as part of safe driving at any age.

For more information on tyre safety, visit www.tyresafe.org.