10,000 over 70s learning to drive

05/01/12

By Kev Kiernan

Around 10,000 over-70s are currently learning to drive in the UK, including 48 people aged in their 90s, research shows.

The oldest person with a provisional licence is 98, the Co-operative Motoring Group reported.

Using data from licensing body the DVLA, the group said the highest number of older people learning to drive is in London, at around 1,000, which is at least twice as many as the second highest figure.

Next on the list is Birmingham, at 413, then it is Sheffield, at 233, followed by Liverpool, 228, Manchester, 201, Glasgow, 175, and Cardiff, 162.

However, the age group showing the biggest proportion of learner drivers is 17-29, making up 42.5 per cent of the UK total.

Those in their 30s account for 20 per cent of all learner drivers, those in their 40s account for 18.5 per cent and people in their 50s and 60s make up a respective 11.45 per cent and 7.4 per cent.

A provisional licence is held by at least seven million people in the UK.

Co-operative Motoring Group chief Tony Guest said: "As long as you are fit and healthy there is no reason whatsoever that you cannot continue to enjoy motoring well into later life."