Should Australia Mandate Refresher Driving Lessons for Older Drivers?

As the number of older Australians on the road grows, so do the statistics highlighting their higher crash rates compared to middle-aged drivers. In light of this trend, a new initiative by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) aims to address the issue with a call for "refresher" driving lessons for those aged 50 and up. This proposal comes on the heels of research suggesting that periodic driver training could make roads safer for all.

Addressing High Crash Rates Among Older Drivers

UNSW Sydney, in partnership with Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), recently wrapped up a year-long study focused on drivers over 65. The research aimed to determine if "driving interventions"—including targeted lessons and constructive feedback on common driving mistakes—could benefit this demographic. While final results are still pending, early findings indicate promising outcomes: older drivers who received intervention reduced their driving errors, transitioning from "unsafe" to "safe" driving practices.

“We know that older drivers have higher rates of crashes than middle-aged drivers,” stated UNSW Professor Kaarin Anstey, an expert in cognitive aging, who also highlighted an increase in crash rates particularly among drivers over the age of 80.

The Case for Refresher Lessons

For some drivers, the need for refresher lessons is rooted in the fact that many older Australians initially learned to drive under vastly different circumstances. “Some older drivers... tell you they learned to drive in a paddock,” Professor Anstey explained. With significant advancements in vehicle technology and changes in road environments, many older drivers now find themselves navigating a vastly different landscape without any formal re-training.

The UNSW study observed that many older drivers exhibit lingering habits from their early driving days, which can impact their safety on the road. Common issues included neglecting to check blind spots, failing to maintain proper lane position, and improperly executing turns. These behaviors underscore the potential benefit of refresher lessons, which could help older drivers adapt to today’s driving demands.

A New Approach: "Ageing Well on the Road"

To support older drivers, UNSW and NeuRA have launched a resource hub called Ageing Well on the Road. This website offers guidance on adapting to new vehicle technologies and managing conditions such as dementia that could impact driving abilities. Through this resource, the initiative aims to destigmatize the idea of refresher driving lessons, suggesting that regular check-ins could become a routine part of aging gracefully behind the wheel.

According to Professor Anstey, the program envisions a scenario where, “when you turn 50, you’re invited to have an extra driving lesson just to check in on your driving.” Currently, drivers typically receive additional training only if there’s an identifiable issue with their driving skills, but the UNSW proposal aims to normalize periodic assessments as part of staying safe on the road.

Different State Regulations for Older Drivers

Australia’s regulations for senior drivers vary by state and territory. Some regions require annual medical checks for drivers over 70, while others mandate that drivers of all ages report medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive. Despite these regulations, Professor Anstey and her colleagues believe that incorporating refresher lessons could enhance the impact of current policies, ensuring that drivers of all ages maintain safe habits as they navigate Australia’s roads.

Could Refresher Lessons Become the Norm?

The initiative from UNSW and NeuRA opens up an important dialogue on how Australia can improve road safety for all drivers, regardless of age. By implementing regular refresher lessons starting at age 50, the program seeks to help Australians retain vital driving skills, adapt to new technologies, and correct potentially dangerous habits. As the UNSW study results are finalized, these findings may well shape future policy, encouraging a shift in perspective on lifelong driver education.