By Luke Chillingsworth,Ryan Price

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Elderly motorists are being urged to take driving assessments to evaluate their road skills between now and 2027. Several local authorities have developed their own voluntary older driver assessment schemes in order to put people’s ability to the test. As highlighted by Express , tests usually cost drivers up to £49, but can be accessed for free in some areas over the next two years under the new scheme. After the assessment, drivers will receive feedback on how they fared and suggestions for improvement. Meanwhile, road users will make the final decision to stay on the roads or give up their licence if examiners feel an older driver could be at risk. The research – which was funded by The Road Safety Trust – is being carried out by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), the Older Driver Task Force , the Older Drivers Forum and the University of Warwick. The project has been awarded £104,050 to develop guidelines for a standardised mature driver assessment, as each region currently offers its own version of the tests. By 2027, experts aim to establish a more consistent nationwide framework for driving assessments that can be used across all regions, although drivers will then be charged for these checks. Tests are being investigated in Buckinghamshire, Cheshire West and Chester, Gloucestershire, Leeds and Warwickshire. The trials will investigate the potential for a nationwide rollout of these standardised evaluations for older drivers. Dr Carol Hawley, honorary research fellow at the University of Warwick Medical School, said: “Myself and Ian Edwards of New View Consultants are excited to be conducting this multi-centre evaluation of standardised mature driving assessments on behalf of PACTS with funding from The Road Safety Trust. “We shall be gathering the views of drivers receiving the driving assessment as well as the views of the driving instructors and administrators delivering the assessments using a range of measures to determine the acceptability, utility and feasibility of this standardised approach and the effects on road safety outcomes.” A mature driver assessment is a practical driving test designed to refresh the skills of elderly motorists. Typically, the assessment involves the driver navigating a familiar local route under the watchful eye of an examiner who provides valuable feedback. Invigilators will assess everything from vehicle control, decision-making, and even their awareness of other vehicles. Rob Heard, founder and chairman of the Older Drivers Forum, explained: “As we age, we can become complacent about our driving and may pick up bad habits. “We have long believed that a driving assessment is a great way for drivers as they age to understand if they are still safe to drive and assist with those losing confidence in their driving.” Mr Heard added: “We have been concerned that many of the non-medical appraisals or assessments vary in standard, cost and length which can cause confusion. We fully support this project to evaluate a standardised mature driving assessment and look forward to hearing its findings.”