In the UK , driving is very well regulated and is controlled by the statutory body : Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority ( DVLA). All drivers must qualify to get registered with them and to possess a valid Driving Licence. On reaching 70 , the driver needs to make a special declaration about his eyesight, health etc in order for the licence to remain valid. As for the cars requiring a 'fitnes for the purpose and safe' certificate each year after the first three , called MOT , the drivers also are supposed to get vetted just in case they are no longer ''fit to drive'. Incidentally such 'fitness to drive' requirement is applicable all through the driver's life in case he/she develops any 'relevant ' physical ailment making driving risky. The issue now is whether people lose their ability to safe driving as they get older ! Indeed, there have been odd instances of 'unsafe ' driving causing accidents where the driver happened to be ''old'' ! There will be many many more instances of 'unsafe and downright dangerous' driving by individuals who are young and fit -- our magistrates' need to run 2/3 separate court rooms each working day, just to handle such cases.

I would argue , most elderly drivers are safer , more careful and law-abiding ; and they drive within their 'ability' without any 'showing off' eg driving whilst using mobile phones in one hand or kissing the friend or smoking or eating using one hand.. The older drivers usually avoid difficult road conditions or turnings or heavy traffic times - often do not drive after dark ( unless in an emergency) and most important of all, the Insurance Companies won't insure them if they felt they were poor risks !! It is the younger driver who faces a steep insurance premium whilst most older drivers enjoy the maximum levels of 'no claim' bonuses.

All that said , odd training sessions and a more intense eye-test to include not only the acuity but colour vision and the field of vision ,might be useful - and if someone is seen not to be doing well , they should be discouraged from driving . I am aware of a number such instances where the individual had stopped driving voluntarily. The society wishes to keep people retain their independence for as long as possible ; driving keeps people mobile and maintains social contact, shopping abilities etc. - without a car many will become totally housebound and feel miserable. Will these 'critics' come forward to help them visit friends and do shopping? I don't think so . Yes we should remain vigilant but also encourage people to drive safely for as long as possible.