Drivers who've hit this age could face 'mandatory' new 'brain test'

Drivers who've hit this age could face 'mandatory' new 'brain test'

by · Birmingham Live

Drivers could face a mandatory "brain" test to keep their licence when they hit this age. People aged 80 and over should no longer be allowed to self-certify their fitness to drive, a Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death of a toddler has found.

Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross, sitting at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, said that the self-certification system as it stands must be changed "as a matter of priority" by "limiting self-certification of fitness to drive only to applications before the age of 80 years".

Currently, motorists in the UK must self-certify their fitness every three years from the age of 70 but there is no upper age limit. Sheriff Ross said renewals for drivers aged 80 should include "cognitive assessment".

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Sheriff Ross stated: "Application for renewal should continue to be required every three years, from the age of 70 onwards. Any application for renewal by a driver aged 80 or older should not be granted unless the applicant driver has successfully undertaken a short initial cognitive assessment. Failure to pass that assessment should result in both the application for renewal, and any current licence, being suspended pending further assessment."

He added that "consideration should be given to reducing the age limit to 75 years age". However, the Sheriff acknowledged that it was a matter for the UK Government as the rules governing fitness to drive are reserved.

The Department of Transport already has an ongoing review in to the licensing of any driver with a medical condition. Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, lead fatalities investigator from the COPFS, said: “Xander Irvine’s death was a devastating loss for his family.

"They have my heartfelt sympathy for all they have suffered. I welcome the sheriff’s determination which makes significant recommendations in relation to the fitness-to-drive requirements for drivers over 70 and a change to primary legislation.”