Good drivers never stop learning
Advanced driver training is available throughout Devon & Cornwall.
Highly experienced instructors will refresh your skills and help extend your time on the road.
Here are some of the courses we recommend, please use the links to find out more:
Mature Driver Review
OVERVIEW:
The Mature Driver Review is a relaxed session with an IAM RoadSmart expert. They’ll help boost your confidence behind the wheel and suggest further training if needed.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• A 1-hour drive with an IAM RoadSmart expert
• Hints and tips on how to improve your driving
• Feedback and assessment grade
• A digital certificate
PRICE: £86.50
RoADAR Driving Review
OVERVIEW:
The RoADAR Driving Review is a simple and low-cost way for people who have been driving for some time to find out whether their driving skills are up to scratch.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
The review will last 45 to 60 minutes with the reviewer giving feedback throughout the review and you will also receive a written report usually within two weeks.
PRICE: £58.33
Drive Safer For Longer
OVERVIEW:
Free presentations to local groups or associations which focus on older driver skills. This course is funded by Vision Zero South West.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
• A free enhancement drive for one group member with a specialist driving instructor. Feedback is given as part of the presentation.
• Useful hints and tips about safer driving techniques
• Information about the impact of health conditions or medications on driving
• Individual enhancement drives available following the presentation (additional charges apply)
PRICE: FREE
Medical Conditions, Disabilities and Driving
If Your health has changed, your driving licence might need an update too.
If you have a driving licence, you MUST tell the DVLA if:
You develop a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability
OR
An existing condition or disability has changed or got worse.
Notifiable conditions are anything that could affect your ability to drive safely. They can include:
- Diabetes or taking insulin
- Syncope (fainting)
- Heart conditions (including atrial fibrillation and pacemakers)
- Sleep apnoea
- Epilepsy
- Strokes
- Glaucoma
It’s important to notify the DVLA about any new conditions, changes in your health, or any new medication.
Alternative Transport Options
Did you realise, that using public transport can be cheaper and easier than owning and running your own vehicle?
Public transport can be a great alternative to driving if you have a medical condition, disability or general concerns about driving. It can help you maintain your freedom while also saving money on the ever-increasing costs of owning and running a vehicle.
Public transport options can be found in the below links:
For transport options in Devon visit: https://www.traveldevon.info/
For transport options in Cornwall visit: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/transport-parking-and-streets/public-transport/
For transport options in Plymouth visit: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/sustainable-travel
For transport options in Torbay visit: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/roads/travel/
Advice for Friends and Relatives
If you are concerned about a family members driving, here are a few respectful, low-pressure conversation starters you can use to open a discussion about an older loved one’s driving abilities.
These are designed to open dialogue, not force decisions, and to preserve dignity and independence.
Gentle, non-threatening openers:
“I wanted to check in about how driving feels for you lately—has anything changed?”
“How do you feel when you’re driving at night or in bad weather these days?”
“Have you noticed any parts of driving that feel more tiring than they used to?”
Safety-focused (not age-focused)
“We’ve been talking as a family about ways to stay safe on the road—what do you think helps most?”
“What do you usually do if traffic feels overwhelming or confusing?”
“Are there routes or times of day you prefer because they feel safer?”
Shared concern (not blame)
“I worry because I care about you, not because I doubt you. Would you be open to talking about driving together?”
“Can we make a plan together for what we’d do if driving ever started to feel stressful?”
“What would you want us to do if you ever felt unsure behind the wheel?”
Practical check-ins
“Would it be helpful to do a refresher drive together sometime, just to see how things feel?”
“Have you ever thought about taking a driving skills refresher course?”
“Would you want a professional opinion, just to get peace of mind?”
Transition-planning (future-focused, not immediate loss)
“If there ever came a time when driving felt harder, what options would you want to have?”
“What would make you feel comfortable asking for a ride if you needed one?”
“How could we make sure you still get everywhere you want to go?”
When resistance is expected
“I know this is a sensitive topic, and I don’t want to rush it. Can we just keep the conversation open?”
“We don’t need to decide anything today—I just wanted to understand how you’re feeling.”
“Would you be open to revisiting this later if anything changes?”
Tips for success
Choose a calm moment, not after an incident.
Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements.
Focus on specific behaviours or situations, not age or labels.
Be ready to listen more than you talk.
Raising Concerns with the Police Or A Doctor
1. If the concern is medical or cognitive, Contact your GP
This is often the best first step.
What the GP can do
- Assess issues like memory problems, vision, reaction time, medication effects
- Decide whether the person is fit to drive
- If needed, notify the licensing authority (the driver doesn’t always have to)
How to raise it
- You can contact the GP even if they can’t discuss the patient with you
- Ask reception for a “third-party concern” to be added to the patient record
- You can do this by letter, email, or phone
- You can ask to remain confidential
What to include
Specific examples (not opinions):
- Getting lost on familiar routes
- Slow reactions or confusion
- Pedal confusion or misapplication
- Recent near-misses or minor collisions
- Difficulty seeing signs or pedestrians
- Dates/times if possible
The GP won’t tell you outcomes, but your concern will be considered.
2. If there is immediate risk or dangerous driving, Contact the police (non-emergency)
Use non-emergency police, not 999, unless someone is in immediate danger.
When this is appropriate
- Repeated unsafe driving
- Driving despite known medical advice not to
- Confusion, erratic behaviour, or collisions
- Family efforts have failed and risk remains
How to report
- Call your local police non-emergency number (101 in England/Wales)
- Ask to report a driver safety concern
- You can request confidentiality
Police can:
- Conduct a welfare or safety check
- Require a driving assessment
- Refer the case to the licensing authority
3. Inform the licensing authority (DVLA)
If you believe someone is medically unfit to drive and others haven’t acted, you can notify the DVLA directly.
Key points
- Anyone can raise a concern
- You don’t need proof—just reasonable concern
- You can ask to remain anonymous
- DVLA may request medical reports or a driving assessment
Search for:
“Report a medical condition affecting driving – DVLA”
4. If you’re worried about your relationship
If this is a parent, partner, or close relative:
- You don’t have to confront them first if it feels unsafe
- Framing it as support, not punishment, helps:
“I’m worried about your safety and others’, and I’ve asked the GP to review things.”
Professionals expect these situations and handle them carefully.
5. What not to worry about
- “Getting them in trouble” – the goal is safety, not punishment
- “Breaking confidentiality” – professionals manage this routinely
- “Being wrong” – concerns are assessed, not taken at face value
Summary – The Safest Approach
- GP (medical/cognitive concerns)
- Police (non-emergency) if there’s active danger
- DVLA if risk continues or medical advice is ignored