Funded mature driver appraisal scheme in Leeds – are you concerned about loved-ones driving as they get older?

Are you concerned about the confidence of an older relative when they’re driving?
Ad Feature by Leeds Older People’s Forum
Published 25th Jan 2024, 10:58 GMT
Do you have concerns about the confidence of an older relative behind the wheel? Picture – suppliedDo you have concerns about the confidence of an older relative behind the wheel? Picture – supplied
Do you have concerns about the confidence of an older relative behind the wheel? Picture – supplied

You might have been out with them recently and noticed a change in their driving or have concerns about your loved ones being safe on the roads.

There are many reasons why we might lose some of our skills behind the wheel. But with online self-assessment for driving licence renewals the norm after 70, there is little chance to check on how they’re really doing.

But now, thanks to Leeds Older People’s Forum, there is an accessible, friendly and professional driver appraisal scheme on offer – giving them and their families the knowledge and confidence of knowing whether they are ‘Good to Go’.

Are your older relatives ‘good to go’ behind the wheel? Picture – suppliedAre your older relatives ‘good to go’ behind the wheel? Picture – supplied
Are your older relatives ‘good to go’ behind the wheel? Picture – supplied

Leeds Older People’s Forum is running the campaign along with the William Merritt Centre, with funding from the Road Safety Trust.

This ‘light touch’ appraisal will be carried out by one of William Merritt’s approved driving instructors, assisting a person in their own car, driving to places that they are familiar with in the location in which they live.

The charity, which represents the needs of older people in Leeds, carried out research into safe driving as we age, and identified the need for a campaign. They consulted with local people in Leeds through a series of focus groups and spoke to other organisations such as the national Older Drivers Forum.

Tracy Lenihan, project development officer at Leeds Older People’s Forum, explained; “What we want to do is keep older drivers on the road safely, for longer. By using our test, learn and develop approach we created this campaign by listening to how older people felt about the sensitive subject of retiring from driving

“It was clear older people thought it was a good idea to have some sort of check and it was from there, that the mature driver appraisal was developed.”

To read more about the research and what people said about the scheme you can click here.

Rob Heard, founder of the not-for-profit group the Older Drivers Forum, said: “Older people have a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance. However sight, hearing, reaction time and judgement of speed and distance may not be as sharp as it once was.” The forum says casualty rates went up over the age of 65 and that fatality rates increased significantly.

The William Merritt Centre, at Town Street, Rodley, is a charity and has decades of experience carrying out impartial assessments for people with additional mobility needs, including checking on driving needs and advising and teaching people how to drive adapted cars.

How does it work?

There is funding for 20 places open to older drivers with an LS postcode – the only requirement is that they want to take part and believe they will benefit them.

As Tracy explained, this is an opportunity for older adults to review their driving skills and to be advised on road safety and Highway Code changes, and gain some practical support from a William Merrit Driving Instructor.

A key aim is to boost confidence for drivers, and offer reassurance from a professional.

Vision Zero

The scheme ties in with Leeds City Council’s Vision Zero, which is the council’s aim to eliminate fatal and serious injuries as a result of road collisions. With safe behaviours and people as a key pillar of the approach, everyone is encouraged to be part of the change in making Leeds roads safer.

Case study

The scheme has been ‘test driven’ and John, 81, who drives around the county as a flower show judge, was one of the first to try it out. After the appraisal he said: “I felt really chuffed, because I got some really good feedback.

“I now feel I have the knowledge that I am safe to drive, which is really important when I drive my car to the places I go.”

Booking your place

If you would like more information or to book onto the assessment simply call Tracy at Leeds Older People’s Forum on 07526360408 or email[email protected]