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:
FREE Webinar – ‘Grandparents – The Road Safety Mentors’
Saturday 25th July 2026
Every journey with a grandchild is an opportunity to help keep them safe for life.Whether you’re walking to school, fitting a child seat, talking about e-scooters or supporting a teenager learning to drive, the conversations you have today could influence decisions they make for years to come.
This free online webinar explores how grandparents can become trusted road safety mentors throughout every stage of childhood – from infancy to becoming a newly qualified driver. Packed with practical ideas, it will show how small, everyday conversations and positive role modelling can make a lasting difference.
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
Gloucestershire Older Drivers Forum webinars
Gloucestershire 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
Older Drivers Forum on BBC Morning Live – Retiring from Driving
On 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
We 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?”
On 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
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.
