In most European countries there is no age limit to continue driving. The most common thing is that from the age of 65 or 70, the frequency with which the permit must be renewed increases. In Spain, the threshold is set at 65 years to ensure that the ability to drive remains intact, argues the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT). “What is intended in this way – the DGT reports on its website – is to increase the frequency of medical and fitness checks so that continuing to drive is safe for everyone.”
There is no doubt that road safety is a fundamental priority in all European countries. Without exception. In the United Kingdom, the deadlines for inspections are shorter after the age of 70, but age is no obstacle for any capable driver to get behind the wheel.
This is what Don Mitchell, a 98-year-old long-time driver, can say, who has seen his dream of driving again come true. He did it four years after handing in his license, ending a period of more than five decades behind the wheel, thanks to the Together We Can initiative. It is an organization that is dedicated to carrying out the wishes of older people in nursing homes, allowing them to fulfill their dreams and desires even in the most advanced stages of their lives.
Mitchell attended the Leconfield Defense Transport School, near Beverley, Yokshire, as a student at the Young Driver driving school. Throughout the day, the old man lived with students who were at least 17 years old, the age from which he can drive in the United Kingdom.
The most surprising thing is that along with the young drivers who a few weeks ago were taking their first steps with the car, Mitchell was also fulfilling his wish to drive again. The old man, who handed over his driving license to the traffic authorities in 2019, ending a period of more than five decades behind the wheel, has become the oldest student of Young Driver, surpassing a 92-year-old man who had previously received classes.
“It was great to see that I hadn’t forgotten all my driving skills. It’s like riding a bicycle: you never forget it no matter how many years go by,” Mitchell said in statements reported by the British media. The elderly driver noted that he seemed surprised by how much cars have changed since the last time he drove one, probably long before he decided to part with his license.
The car with which Mitchell once again experienced the pleasure of driving was a Vauxhall Corsa, the utility vehicle of German origin that in other markets, such as Spain, is known as the Opel Corsa.
Sue Stait, Young Driver’s marketing director, confirmed that Don Mitchell is the oldest student to have taken classes in the driving school’s history. “We previously had a 92-year-old man, but Dan, at 98, breaks all records as our oldest student. Because our classes are held on private property we can give people the opportunity to get behind the wheel who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so.”
Mitchell was “delighted” with the experience of driving again alongside the young hopefuls. “It was nice to see how they too are starting to learn to drive. My advice is to always respect the speed limits and keep in mind an old Chinese saying that says: “rules are for wise people to follow and fools to break.”
