More than 1 million drivers over 80

More than 1 million drivers on Britain’s roads are aged over 80 according to the latest official figures.

They include two 105-year-olds and one 106-year-old woman who is still behind the wheel.

In all there are 121 motorists over the age of 100 still holding driving licences.

Some of these motorists are unlikely to have ever taken a driving test which did not come into existence until 1935.

The latest figures released by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency underline the ageing of Britain’s motoring population. Currently Motorists are required to renew their licence at 70 and then every three years after that.

They do not face a medical examination although their doctor is obliged to inform the DVLA if they believe a patient should give up driving.

However both the current and previous Government have resisted calls for compulsory retesting of older motorists.

Last month The Daily Telegraph disclosed that there were 2,593 drivers aged 90 and above with penalty points on their licence.

There have been calls for older frail motorists to be banned from motorways, while still being allowed to drive on their local roads.

Other proposals from motoring groups have included using larger letters on road signs to make them easier to read.

While the elderly are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a crash, statistics also suggest they are some of the safest motorists on the road with an accident rate three times lower than that of novice drivers aged 17-19.

Simon Best, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, which uncovered the figures defended the right of the elderly to carry on driving.

"Older people need their cars which give them better mobility and access to more activities and services.

"Those who wish to continue driving beyond the age of 70 should only be prevented from doing so if there are compelling reasons.

"Rather than seeking to prevent older people from driving, we should make them more aware of the risks they face, and offer them driving assessments to help them eliminate bad habits. Driving helps older people play a full and active part in society."

Robert Gifford , executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety added: “Older drivers are not necessarily less safe drivers,”

“Their frailty makes them more at risk; their driving does not make them a risk to others. That said, I think it is really important to consider some kind of driving assessment for older drivers involved in crashes or incidents resulting in penalty points.

“A course might lead them to consider giving up driving altogether, making themselves and other road users safer”.