DRIVERS should be required to re-sit their practical test every five years after turning 70, according to older motorists.

The first survey of older drivers since 1996 found that a majority supported tighter rules and regulations, even if those checks resulted in them personally losing their licence.

The number of drivers over the age of 70 will double over the next 20 years and there are now over one million license holders over the age of 80.

At present, motorists are required to re-apply for their licence once they turn 70 and make a medical declaration to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), but they are not required to undergo a medical or re-sit the driving test.

However, the poll of 2,600 motorists aged 55 to 101 found that 60 per cent supported the idea of over-70s sitting a practical test every five years to retain their driver's licence. More than half also backed a compulsory medical at 70, while 85 per cent said drivers should pass have to pass an eyesight test every five years once they have reached 70.

The findings of the survey, commissioned by the Institute of Advanced Motorists, contradicts the motoring group's own position that compulsory medicals and driving re-tests would be a "disproportionate action" for an age group that is generally one of the safest on the road.

Drivers aged 75 and over make up 6 per cent of all licence holders but account for just 4.3 per cent of deaths and serious injuries. In comparison, drivers under 21 make up 2.5 per cent of all licence holders but account for 13 per cent of deaths and serious injuries.

A spokesman for Age Scotland said: "Age Scotland does not support compulsory re-testing of drivers based on age alone. Ability, not age, should be the standard by which safety to drive is judged. Considering that everyone over a certain age should be presumed to be unsafe is a form of age discrimination."

Some high-profile cases have prompted calls for a licensing shake up, however. In 2013, 93-year-old Alice Ross was charged with causing death by dangerous driving after she passed out at the wheel in Caithness and killed cyclist Elaine Dunne, 30.

The charges were subsequently dropped but a fatal accident inquiry heard that she had suffered at least two unexplained blackouts prior to the crash and Mrs Dunne's widower, Christopher, called for tougher checks on older drivers.

Nearly all respondents to the IAM survey, carried out in collaboration with Warwick Medical School, agreed that GPs should be required to inform patients if their medical condition may affect their fitness to drive - although the researchers noted that "health professionals are often reluctant to advise a patient to cease driving".

Half of those questioned also agreed that a flexible licensing system should be introduced which could restrict types of roads and conditions for some older drivers.

However, the survey also found that half of older drivers "self-regulate to stay safe", by avoiding driving in challenging situations like busy traffic, after dark, in rush hour or bad weather.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of the IAM chief executive, said the survey demonstrated that mature "are aware of the risks and support action to review their safety".

She added: “Voluntary self-assessment and better education via GPs are important techniques for helping drivers understand how long they can continue to drive safely for."