Motorists who drive fewer than 2,000 miles every year ‘ought to give up’ licence to DVLA

Advice from the Older Drivers Forum claims to have worked out the minimum amount of mileage an older motorist should clock up to make the expense of driving worth it

Drivers with a few more years under their belt than most of could be able to wangle a better deal. Those still on the road on the wise side of 70 years old have been told they may in fact be better off, off it.

This advice comes from the Older Drivers Forum whose experts have worked out the minimum amount of mileage an older motorist should clock up to make the expense of driving worth it. According to the experts, the cost racked up by Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), tax, insurance, fuel, and breakdown cover just can’t be justified if one’s vehicle only gets run around for fewer than 2,000 miles each year.

The Older Drivers Forum explained: “It may even make good financial sense to use your money for other ways of getting about, rather than for owning and running a car, especially if you drive less than 2,000 miles a year.

“You would get money from selling your car, and save money because you no longer have to pay for insurance, MOTs, servicing, fuel, parking and repairs. If you no longer use your car very much, it may make good financial sense to give it up and use the money you save for other ways of getting about.”

The average annual mileage for drivers over the age of 70 is 1,665 miles per year. USwitch commented: “There is no shame in admitting that you’re no longer up to driving or that you no longer have such a demanding social life that requires a car of your own.

“From public transport to ride-share services, there are many ways to continue getting out and about. Giving up your keys does not mean the end of your independence.”

But hitting back at the advice, one driver fumed: “In many places, public transport is non-existent. Where it does exist, it’s unreliable, expensive, and the service is deteriorating fast.

“To give up driving removes the expense of the car, but removes the independence and ability to get about. It’s a big unwelcome step to take in the backsliding infrastructure of our country. The ageist, biased, and discriminatory attempts of the government, councils, and other bodies, should be tackled through the courts.

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