Almost 80 per cent of pensioners say they are still confident on the roads following their retirement despite them spending less time driving on average.
The research was conducted by car insurer LV=, and it also found that four in 10 drivers over the age of 65 have reduced their hours driving drastically, with those questioned driving five and half hours less per week on average.
Of those quizzed by the insurer, 78 per cent said they felt more confident behind the wheel, with motorists from Liverpool (95%) and Belfast (88%) the most assured in their skill.
For the remaining 22 per cent, they said the main reason for their drop in confidence was the increased amount of traffic on the roads and the lack of confidence in other drivers’ abilities.
Of those asked, 55 per cent said that modern roads were more difficult to use now, compared to when they were learning to drive due to new layouts and signalling.
The research also found that Scotland was the over-65s’ favourite location to drive, with many specifically pointing out the western coast. It also found that more than 60 per cent prefer rural roads to motorways.
These findings were released following LV=’s unveiling of the Route 66 partnership, which is giving drivers aged over 65 the opportunity to take in the road between Lochgilphead and South Ballachulish and get free refreshments at either the Kilmartin Museum, the Loch Melfort Hotel in Arduaine or the Loch Leven Hotel.
Managing director of car insurance at LV= Selwyn Fernandes said: “Most drivers who have retired have decades of experience behind the wheel, but as our research shows they are not driving as much. We’re pleased to name this breath-taking section of road as the most retirement-friendly in the UK. By creating a ‘Route 66’ in the UK, we’re helping these drivers feel more confident by providing a special stretch of road just for them.”
The Route 66 initiative runs until the end of October.