More than half of older drivers do not believe they would pass their driving test today, even though they outperform younger motorists in recognising road signs. Research by First Response Finance found that more than half named the theory test as their biggest concern.
Government Considers Mandatory Eyesight Tests
The findings come as the Government considers proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and over following a consultation launched earlier this year. Ministers are expected to announce their next steps later in 2026. Across all ages, more than two in five drivers do not believe they would pass their driving test if they had to retake it today.
Highway Code Knowledge Gaps
More than a third of drivers said they did not know the answer to key Highway Code questions, including how to avoid fuel spillage, what type of crossing allows cyclists to ride across with pedestrians, and what to do when stopping in a congested tunnel.
As part of the research, respondents were shown eight road signs and asked whether they felt confident they knew what each one meant. Drivers aged 65 and over were among the best at recognising most signs, with between 93% and 98% correctly identifying several of the signs shown.
Older Drivers Voice Concerns
One respondent, 74, from Cardiff said: "I think I am a good driver, but I think if I had to take a test, they would fail me simply because of my age." A 65-year-old from Southampton said: "I passed my test about 55 years ago. I'm safe to drive but not sure I'd pass the theory now." An older driver from Nottingham said: "I would need to revise the new Highway Code changes to be fully confident."
Jonathan Such, motoring expert at First Response Finance, said: "With older driver safety under review, it's important the conversation looks at the full picture. Eyesight is clearly a vital part of safe driving, but confidence around up to date rules and theory knowledge matters too.
"The key takeaway isn't that older drivers are necessarily unsafe, but that confidence around modern rules and theory knowledge appears to fade over time. For anyone who passed years ago, a simple Highway Code refresh can make a real difference. Drivers should revisit rules around stopping distances, tunnel safety, cyclist crossings, road signs and recent updates to guidance." He added: "Experience is valuable, but it works best when it's paired with up to date knowledge."
