Older Aussie drivers face new road test proposals to cut crashes

A new report suggests that Australian drivers over the age of 50 should take driving lessons to reduce the number of road accidents. A study conducted by UNSW in Sydney indicates that such a step would improve the skills of older drivers. An AAMI survey revealed that drivers over 65 are the most prone to accidents, accounting for 26 per cent of all collisions.

Professor Kaarin Anstey from UNSW emphasizes that drivers over the age of 50 should update their driving skills.

People don't naturally ask themselves 'do I need to update my driving skills' - says Professor Anstey, quoted by the portal. She proposes that after turning 50, drivers should be invited to additional driving lessons.

Research has shown that the number of accidents among people over 80 has increased. So far, this problem has been addressed by revoking driver's licenses, which is a radical approach. Professor Anstey notes that many mistakes stem from habits acquired in youth, such as improper turning or failing to maintain the lane.

Professor Anstey conducted the Better Drive Study, aimed at improving the safety of older drivers. The study involved drivers over 65, divided into three groups. One group participated in a refresher course on road regulations, the second received video feedback, and the third additionally had driving lessons.

The study's results, to be published in 2025, indicate that participants improved their driving skills. "But in our pilot study, which was very similar, we found that of the people that had our intervention involving driving lessons and video feedback, we moved a significant proportion from unsafe to safe drivers, and we reduced their driving errors," says Professor Anstey. In 2023, Australia recorded the highest number of road fatalities in five and a half years, with 1,253 drivers killed.