Car Breakdown Cover

Although older drivers often have more experience than other road users, it is important to ensure you are still fit to drive. As you grow older your sight and hearing can often decline, and your responses may not be as fast as they once were. Read our handy driving advice for older drivers and continue to enjoy your independence for years to come.

• As an older driver you need to take even greater care on the roads and be aware of any changes in your health which may affect your driving. If you experience the onset or deterioration of any medical condition which may affect your ability to drive safely you must alert the DVLA straight away.

• Remember that some medicines, especially cough mixtures can make you drowsy. Never drive under the influence of such medicines. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Some older drivers experience problems getting into the car or turning to look at blind spots. A simple adaptation to your car could make a huge difference to your driving experience.

• Modern driving conditions are busy and stressful. To combat the demanding nature of today’s roads always leave plenty of time for journeys and plan the route well in advance. Where possible ask a passenger to navigate for you.

• When driving be sure to leave plenty of space from the car in front of you. Remember your responses are likely to be slower than they used to be.

• By law you must be able to read a number plate from a distance of 67ft. deterioration in eye sight is common as you grow older but this can be a very gradual process, so be sure to visit the opticians regularly as you may not notice any changes. If you do need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision you must wear these every time you drive.

• An optician can also identify the early stages of eye conditions which can affect your driving ability, such as cataracts, glaucoma and diabetes.

• When you reach the age of 70 and for every three years thereafter, you must renew your driving licence with the DVLA.  There is no legal age to stop driving, as long as you feel safe and comfortable and meet the DVLA standards; you can drive well into your later years.

• Driving on today’s roads is likely to have changed hugely since you took your test. Refresh you driving knowledge by keeping up to date with current driving laws and the Highway Code.

• It is a good idea to have adequate breakdown cover at any age, but this is especially important in your later years when being stuck at the roadside without help can be a very frightening prospect.