Assessing elderly people to drive - practical considerations

Older drivers are likely to suffer declines in functioning and a number of health problems that may cumulatively affect driving ability. When involved in a motor vehicle accident, elderly people are more likely to be killed or seriously disabled than younger people.

This article provides an overview of the assessment for fitness to drive with emphasis on important practical points.

General practitioners play a vital role in the assessment of elderly drivers. Consider assessing patients over the age of 75 years and patients who present with multiple disabilities, for fitness to drive. Screening for safe driving includes assessment of vision (acuity, visual fields), motor function (joint function, muscle strength, coordination) and cognition. Additional information may be required about overall functioning from relatives and neighbours. If doubt remains the patient should be referred for a practical driving assessment.