Car cover news
19/12/2008

Automatic re-tests for elderly motorists, says Anna Ford

Ex-BBC news presenter Anna Ford has said that all over-70s should automatically re-take their driving test, but Age Concern strongly opposes her proposals saying that elderly drivers already face discrimination regarding their car insurance. Female drivers can get cheaper motor insurance policies, but the benefits may be negated as they get older.

Miss Ford, 65, was speaking to Advanced Driving magazine as she joined the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM); she is now planning to take its advanced driving test.

She said, ""It would not be a punishment for the over-70s, but we must do everything we can to make driving safer.

"It's important for people to re-examine what they are doing. I have been a lifelong learner and so I think that everyone else should be, too."

Currently, older drivers are able to renew their licence by signing a health declaration form every three years.

Gordon Lishman, director General of Age Concern said, ""We oppose automatic resits for all older drivers as discriminatory."

"Older people who can afford a car find driving an essential way of maintaining their independence.

"We strongly oppose the discrimination suffered by older people in relation to car insurance."

Insurance experts estimate that motorists aged 70 plus are three times as likely to die in a car accident as the middle-aged. However, according to IAM, older drivers are safer than the under-30's.

A spokesperson for CoverGirl said, "Shopping around for your car cover from businesses dedicated to your age-group or gender can save you money on your car insurance. Female insurance providers will make sure women drivers get the best value for money."