What older drivers need to know about fitness assessments, police-referred education, and staying safe on the road.
Mature Driver Education
& the Police
What older drivers need to know about fitness assessments, police-referred education, and staying safely on the road.
Overview
Keeping Experienced Drivers Safe
There are millions of older drivers on UK roads, and the vast majority drive safely and responsibly every day. Age and experience bring real advantages behind the wheel — patience, observation, and respect for other road users. But it is also true that certain age-related changes — to vision, reaction time, and health — can gradually affect driving ability, often without the driver being fully aware.
The police and road safety agencies recognise this. Rather than simply prosecuting older drivers who commit minor offences, many forces now offer a more supportive route: education, assessment, and coaching designed to help mature drivers stay on the road safely — and for as long as possible.
The Scheme Explained
What Is the Police Fitness to Drive Assessment?
The Police Fitness to Drive (FTD) Assessment is an alternative to prosecution for older drivers who have been involved in a minor driving incident — typically careless or inconsiderate driving — where age, health, or a medical condition may have been a contributing factor.
It was pioneered by Hampshire Constabulary in 2013, after officers noticed a rise in collisions involving older drivers and recognised that the standard national offender retraining courses were not well suited to their needs. The scheme has since been adopted by a growing number of forces across England and Wales, with Driving Mobility centres delivering the practical assessments.
Important: This is not a standard driving test
The Fitness to Drive Assessment is a specialist evaluation, not a pass/fail driving test. It is carried out by a trained assessor and looks at whether a driver can safely manage modern road conditions given their age, health and current ability. The aim is to support the driver — not to catch them out.
The scheme sits alongside the broader National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS), which offers educational courses to drivers who commit minor motoring offences as an alternative to fixed penalties or court. However, standard NDORS courses — delivered in groups at pace — are not always suitable for older drivers, which is exactly why the FTD Assessment was developed as a separate, tailored option.
Step by Step
How Does the Process Work?
If a police officer attends an incident involving an older driver where a minor offence has been committed, they may offer the driver a choice. Rather than receiving a fixed penalty or being referred to the Magistrates’ Court, the driver can opt for an FTD Assessment.
Incident & Police Referral
A police officer attends a minor collision or driving incident involving an older driver, or one where a medical condition may be a factor. They identify the driver as potentially suitable for the FTD scheme.
The Driver Is Given a Choice
The driver is offered two options: complete a Fitness to Drive Assessment with a specialist driving assessor, or attend a hearing at the Magistrates’ Court. No pressure is applied — the choice is entirely theirs.
The Assessment Takes Place
The driver attends an appointment at a Driving Mobility centre. The assessment includes a discussion about health and driving history, and usually an on-road drive with the assessor. It is conducted at the driver’s own pace in a supportive environment.
A Report Is Produced
The assessor produces a detailed report outlining their findings. This may recommend further training, vehicle adaptations, a referral to a GP or DVLA, or confirm that the driver is safe to continue driving without restriction.
The Outcome
Most drivers who go through the assessment continue driving — often with more confidence than before. Where a concern is identified, the assessor works with the driver to find the best path forward, which may include refresher coaching or specialist medical advice.
Good news for drivers who engage with the scheme
When the scheme was first evaluated, around 92% of older drivers offered the FTD Assessment chose it over prosecution — and the vast majority found it a positive, supportive experience rather than an intimidating one.
Who It Applies To
Who Is the Assessment For?
The Police Fitness to Drive Assessment is designed for three main groups of drivers:
Older Drivers
- Generally drivers aged 70 and over, though age alone is not the deciding factor
- Those involved in a minor incident where age-related changes may have played a role
- Drivers flagged by officers as causing road safety concern
Drivers with Health Concerns
- Drivers where a medical condition — diagnosed or suspected — may have contributed to an incident
- Those driving adapted vehicles where standard NDORS is not appropriate
- Drivers referred by GPs, occupational therapists, or the DVLA as well as by police
It is also worth noting that older drivers can self-refer for a Fitness to Drive assessment — you do not have to wait to be involved in an incident. Many drivers choose to do so proactively as they get older, as a way of checking in on their own abilities and building confidence.
Road Safety Context
Why Does This Matter?
As the UK’s population ages, the number of older drivers on the road is growing. This is broadly positive — driving enables independence, access to healthcare, social connection, and quality of life. But it also means road safety agencies and police forces need to think carefully about how they support this group.
“We want to keep them driving longer but make sure they are safe on the roads. It’s about ensuring they’re fit to drive.”
— Sgt Owen Messenger, Devon and Cornwall PoliceThe statistics show a nuanced picture. Older drivers are generally less likely to be involved in speed-related accidents and are typically cautious and law-abiding. However, data from the Department for Transport shows that drivers over 70 are around 38% more likely to be involved in collisions linked to poor observation — a skill that can be affected by age-related changes in vision and cognition.
The good news is that many of these risks are manageable. Refresher training, vehicle adaptations (such as wider mirrors or automatic gearboxes), and early identification of health conditions can all make a significant difference — and keep people driving safely for years longer than they might otherwise.
The risk of doing nothing
Before schemes like the FTD Assessment existed, older drivers involved in minor incidents often faced a stark choice: accept a fixed penalty or go to court. Many chose to simply continue driving and accept the penalty, with no support or guidance offered. The education-first approach exists precisely to break that cycle.
DVLA & Licensing
What About Driving Licences for Older Drivers?
The police FTD scheme operates alongside, but separately from, the DVLA’s own licensing requirements for older drivers. Here is a summary of the current rules:
Licence Renewal at Age 70
At age 70, drivers must renew their licence and self-declare their fitness to drive. The licence is then renewed every three years. There is no automatic requirement to retake a driving test at this point.
Medical Conditions Must Be Reported
Drivers of any age are legally required to inform the DVLA of any medical condition that may affect their driving. This includes conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, heart conditions, and significant vision problems. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.
Practical Assessment if Requested
The DVLA can request a practical Fitness to Drive assessment if a driver’s medical fitness is in question. This is separate from the police-referred FTD scheme but delivered by the same specialist organisations.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I automatically lose my licence if I am referred for an assessment?
Can I choose prosecution instead of the assessment?
Is the assessment confidential?
Can I refer myself for an assessment without being involved in an incident?
What if the assessment finds I should stop driving?
My elderly parent has been referred — what should I do?
Practical Advice
Tips for Staying Safe & Driving for Longer
Health & Vision
- Have your eyes tested at least every two years — vision changes gradually and you may not notice
- Tell your GP about any health changes that could affect your driving
- Report relevant medical conditions to the DVLA as required by law
- Be honest with yourself if you notice changes in your confidence or ability
Keeping Skills Sharp
- Consider a voluntary refresher session with a qualified ADI
- Book a self-referred Fitness to Drive assessment for a professional view
- Stay up to date with changes to road markings, signs and speed limits
- Think about whether any vehicle adaptations could make driving easier and safer
Useful Contacts
- Driving Mobility — specialist driving assessments for older and disabled drivers: drivingmobility.org.uk
- DVLA — reporting medical conditions and licence queries: gov.uk/dvla
- RoSPA & IAM RoadSmart — advanced driver training and mature driver courses
- Your local police force — contact their roads policing or road safety team for information on local schemes
Not Sure Where to Start?
Whether you are an older driver, a family member, or a road safety professional, there is support available. You do not have to wait for an incident — reach out proactively.