Inquiry Calls for Driving Tests for Older Drivers

In the wake of a tragic incident in Edinburgh that resulted in the death of three-year-old Xander Irvine, a Fatal Accident Inquiry has recommended that drivers aged 80 and over undergo mandatory cognitive assessments to retain their driving licenses. The inquiry revealed that 91-year-old Edith Duncan, who struck Xander, had significant cognitive impairments due to undiagnosed dementia, which led to her losing control of her vehicle. Sheriff Principal Nigel Ross criticized the current self-certification system for drivers over 70 as 'significantly defective,' as it fails to properly assess the fitness of older drivers. The report suggests that applications for license renewal for drivers over 80 should not be granted without passing a cognitive test, and failure to do so would lead to suspension of their license. Legal representatives for Xander's family hailed the recommendations as a crucial step towards enhancing road safety for vulnerable pedestrians. The DVLA is currently reviewing these recommendations to improve regulations surrounding elderly drivers.