500 pensioners over 100 still have their driver’s license

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Research has found the oldest driver’s license holder in the UK is a 108-year-old man, whose AA encourages people to drive for as long as possible when there are no health concerns for safety

Riders over 100 have nearly tripled in the last decade.

The number of fully licensed centenarians has surpassed 505 – up from 162 in 2012.

The oldest license holder in the UK is a 108-year-old man who is being pursued by two 107-year-olds – a man and a woman – research shows.

Meanwhile, the number of people over 90 behind the wheel has nearly doubled from 71,259 in 2012 to 133,369 today, according to a study by car leasing comparison website LeaseCo.

It comes after a report by the Older Drivers Task Force recommends raising the age at which drivers’ licenses must be renewed every three years from 70 to 75.

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Spokesman John Plowman said: “Age in itself should not be a barrier to safe driving. But older drivers should be fit to drive and seek advice if a limiting condition develops or worsens.”

There are 1.5 million drivers over 80, almost 50% more than in the last decade, while 5.7 million over 70s hold a driver’s license.

The AA said it encourages people to drive for as long as possible provided there are no health issues that compromise safety.

“There will come a time when driving is no longer an option,” said spokesman Jack Cousens.

“And that creates tension in the family when Mom and Dad are asked to hang up their car keys.”

The task force says over-80s are 10 times more likely to be killed in an accident than a motorist half their age because they are more fragile.

But Prince Philip survived the crash of his Land Rover in 2019 at the age of 97.

And Eileen Ash, from Norwich, who died last year at 110, was still driving at 106 after having just one bump in her life – when she reversed her car into a lawn mower in her garage.

Eileen, the world’s oldest Test cricketer, received her license in 1937.

She told the BBC: “There are good and bad drivers of all ages. You’ll know when you can’t drive, and then it’s time to stop.”

LeaseCo’s John Wilmot said: “Having a car makes older people feel connected, especially in rural areas where public transport is unreliable.”