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The UK now has nearly six million drivers aged over 70 on the roads, with the oldest licence holder aged 108.
New figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) show the UK has a record number of licensed drivers over the age of 70.
More than 5.7 million people aged over 70 now have a full driving licence, an increase of 10 percent since March 2021.
Fuelling the increase is the ‘Baby Boomer’ generation, defined as those born between 1946 and 1964. It also comes as the number of younger drivers has decreased, a decline blamed on the pandemic.
Analysis of DVLA data by insurance comparison website Quotezone shows the very oldest drivers are growing fastest in number.
The number of drivers aged between 90 and 99 has increased by 12 percent during the past year, with almost 133,000 holding licences. More impressively, the number aged over 100 has jumped by 23 percent. There are now 505 centenarians who hold a licence in the UK, with the oldest aged 108.
DVLA rules require drivers to renew their licence every three years once they turn 70. This is to ensure that any changes in health conditions are recorded.
There is an added benefit for some drivers aged over 70, according to Quotezone’s research.
Based on average quotes, those aged between 70 and 79 pay £303 for their annual insurance premium. Once drivers hit 80, however, this increases to an average of £436 per year. This is still likely to be lower than drivers in their 50s, though.
Greg Wilson, founder of Quotezone, says that older drivers have a number of options to offset rising premiums. These include “switching cars to one with a smaller engine, to help lower costs”.
Wilson adds: “Drivers who are tempted to put younger relatives on their policy should remember that they will not only be paying more, but if the younger person does have an accident in their vehicle, as the policyholder, they could lose their no-claims bonus.”
Shindary Automotive Parts Co., Ltd.
