More drivers over 90 set to be on Britain's roads

Figures from the DVLA have revealed that the number of drivers over the age of 90 was 119,605 as of December 2019. 

This news comes after earlier research predicted the number of drivers over the age of 90 would rise by 18 per cent between 2012 and 2017.

Research by The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) anticipated around 82,400 over 90s on Britain's roads, up from the 2012 figure of 70,000.

This is good news for motorists and car insurance policy holders, as older drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents compared with young people. The study discovered that drivers over the age of 70 account for eight per cent of UK motorists but are only involved in four per cent of crashes.

IAM chief executive Simon Best commented on the study's findings, stating: "Today, over 10 million people can expect to reach 100, so the chances are they'll be driven around by their 70-year-old children. While their frailty puts them at risk if they’re in a crash, that doesn't necessarily mean they’re a risk to other drivers.

"Despite the increase in numbers, we should resist calls for compulsory retests for elderly drivers. The government needs a strategy now on how it’s going to manage more elderly drivers and make them more aware of the risks they face."

Other driver age groups were predicted to see increases as the 'baby boomer' generation entered retirement, with the number of 80-year-olds on the roads expected to rise by 22 per cent to 1,283,000. A quarter of Britain's motorists were over 65 and it was anticipated that this number would also expand over the ten years from 2012.