Click here to download the above flyer

There are many reasons why we might lose some of our skills behind the wheel.

But with online self-assessment for driving licence renewals the norm after 70, there is little chance to check on how our driving skills are coping as we age.

But now, thanks to Leeds Older Peoples Forum, there is an accessible, friendly and professional driver appraisal scheme on offer – giving older adults the knowledge and confidence of knowing they are ‘Good to Go’ This ‘light touch’ appraisal will be carried out by one of William Merritt’s approved driving instructors, assisting a person in their own car, driving to places that they are familiar with in their local area.

The charity, Leeds Older Peoples Forum which represents the needs of older people in Leeds, carried out research into safe driving as we age, and identified the need for a campaign. The campaign is funded by Road Safety Trust and the scheme ties in

with Leeds City Councils Vision Zero ambition to eliminate fatal and serious injuries as a result of road collisions.

The scheme has been ‘test driven’ by John, 81, (pictured above) a local resident of Crossgates and a member and volunteer of the Cross Gates Good Neighbours scheme.

John a passionate gardener uses his car to drive around the county as a flower show judge and was one of the first to try it out.

After the appraisal he said: “I felt really chuffed, because I got some really good feedback. I now feel I have the knowledge that I am safe to drive, which is really important when I drive my car to the places I go.”

Tracy Lenihan, project development officer at Leeds Older Peoples Forum, explained; “What we want to do is keep older drivers on the road safely, for longer. We created this campaign by listening to how older people felt about the sensitive subject of retiring from driving. It was clear older people thought it was a good idea to have some sort of check and it was from there, that the mature driver appraisal was developed.”

To Book your place or would like more information contact:

Tracy at Leeds Older Peoples Forum on 0752 6360408

or Email tracy@opforum.org.uk