One million drivers over 80

There are also 195 drivers are over 100 years old, according to data compiled by road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists( IAM).

The number of drivers over 65 reached 7,191,192 in November 2013, 19% of all drivers with full driving licences. The figures come from driving licence data published by the DVLA in December 2013. Five per cent of over 65s have points on their licence.

The age at which a driver is most likely to have points on their licence is 42.

IAMchief executive Simon Best said: “In twenty years time, one in ten people will be over 80 years old. Responding to an older population is a significant policy issue for government, health and transport agencies – a greater number of people will require help with their mobility and acting now can ensure the right support networks are in place numbers increase.

Easy access to driving assessments, better advice from the medical profession and car and road designs that mitigate the effects of ageing should all be top in 2014. The overarching policy aim should be to keep people independent and driving safer for as long as possible.”