Mature Drivers Day: Helping Older Drivers Stay Safe With Herts Ability

Good Driving Isn’t About Age. It’s About Ability.

Herts Ability supports older drivers to stay safe, confident and independent on the road through expert advice, individual driving assessments and practical support.

Getting older doesn’t automatically mean giving up driving. For many people, being able to drive is an important part of everyday life, providing the freedom to visit family and friends, attend appointments and remain connected to their community.

At Herts Ability, we believe that good driving is about ability, not age. That’s why we were delighted to take part in the Mature Drivers Day pilot on 8 October, bringing together expertise, practical advice and interactive activities to help older people make informed decisions about driving safely for longer.

Bringing road safety advice and practical support together

The Mature Drivers Day was delivered through a partnership between Hertfordshire County Council’s OPALS team, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire and Herts Ability.

The event focused on helping drivers aged 65 and over maintain their confidence and independence while understanding how changes in health, mobility and reaction times can affect driving.

Interest in the event was exceptionally strong, with all 20 available places filling almost immediately. This encouraging response highlights the value of providing accessible opportunities for older drivers to ask questions, learn from experts and explore the support available to them.

Throughout the morning, attendees took part in informative presentations and practical, interactive activities designed to encourage engagement and raise awareness of road safety.

One of the highlights was the Batak reaction-time challenge, which gave participants the opportunity to put their reactions to the test. Reaction-time training equipment of this type is also famously associated with Formula 1 driver training.

Herts Ability’s Driving Assessor and Occupational Therapist, Ayo, delivered an excellent presentation, sharing expertise and helping attendees understand the importance of taking an individual approach to driving ability.

The atmosphere throughout the event was positive, with attendees actively engaging with the information and activities on offer.

Does getting older mean you should stop driving?

Not necessarily.

Age alone does not determine whether someone can drive safely.

As we get older, changes in vision, physical mobility, strength, coordination, reaction times or certain medical conditions may affect our ability to drive. However, these changes affect everyone differently.

For some people, small adjustments or additional guidance may help them continue driving safely. Others may benefit from a professional driving assessment to better understand their current abilities and explore suitable options.

The important thing is to avoid making assumptions.

At Herts Ability, we believe decisions about driving should be based on an individual's circumstances, abilities and needs. The right advice can help people understand any challenges they face and identify practical ways to maintain their independence wherever possible.

How can a driving assessment help?

A professional driving assessment can help individuals understand how their health, mobility or physical abilities may affect their driving.

At Herts Ability, our specialist driving assessment service helps people explore their driving capabilities and consider appropriate support where needed.

Depending on an individual's circumstances, this may include:

• Assessing driving ability: Understanding how physical, cognitive or medical changes may affect driving.
• Exploring vehicle adaptations: Considering equipment that may make driving more accessible for people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility.
• Providing tailored advice: Helping individuals understand their options and make informed decisions about their future on the road.
• Supporting confidence and independence: Identifying practical ways to overcome challenges and maintain mobility where possible.

Every person is different, which is why an individual approach matters. A driving assessment is an opportunity to understand someone's needs and explore appropriate next steps, rather than make assumptions based on their age or diagnosis.

If you or someone you care about has concerns about driving, seeking professional advice can be a positive first step.

Working together to make Hertfordshire's roads safer

The success of the Mature Drivers Day pilot demonstrates the value of partnership working and the appetite for practical, supportive road safety initiatives.

We would like to thank Terry Morris and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire County Council's OPALS team, the Hertfordshire County Council Road Safety Team, Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, IAM RoadSmart and everyone who contributed to the event.

Feedback from the pilot is now being reviewed. Subject to the outcome of that evaluation, there is potential to explore similar events in other parts of Hertfordshire in the coming months.

By bringing organisations and communities together, we can help people access useful information, feel more confident asking questions and make informed decisions about their driving.

Helping you stay mobile, confident and independent

At Herts Ability, our mission is to empower people to live life with greater confidence, choice and independence.

We understand how important driving can be, particularly when it comes to maintaining relationships, accessing services and enjoying everyday activities. Our approach is centred on the individual, helping people explore their options and access support suited to their needs.

If you would like to find out more about driving assessments or vehicle adaptations, our team is here to help.

Contact Herts Ability to discuss your circumstances and find out more about the driving assessment services and support available.

Because independence matters - and getting older doesn't automatically mean giving up the keys.

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