Should you still be driving in your nineties?

Dot Barber, 93, drives every day. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The Duke of Edinburgh’s car crash at the age of 97 has prompted debate around the safe age of drivers.

When motorists reach the age of 70 they are required to renew their licence.

ITV News Anglia has been looking at the rules and recommendations.

  • Click below for Rob Setchell's report

93-year-old Dot Barber from Brundall in Norfolk still drives every day, making short journeys in her trusty Toyota.

She first got behind the wheel during the Second World War, delivering milk in her van.

Dot Barber said: "That was when you had to crank it up and take the choke out and I'd clean the carburettor out and things like that."

Back then there were no driving tests and she does not feel she needs to take one now.

"Not really, I don't think so,” said Dot. “If I was ill or unsafe, of course I'd give it up. So would anyone else with any sense."

Dot says she would give up driving if she felt unsafe. Credit: ITV News Anglia

Anyone over 70 has to renew their licence, and again every three years after that.

Applicants are also urged to consult their GP before re-applying.

There is no mandatory eye test. More than 110,000 people aged over 90 still have a licence.

Research shows those over 70 can have reaction times up to two seconds slower than younger drivers.

According to road safety charity Brake older drivers are no more likely to be involved in crashes than anyone else, though the number of incidents increases from the age of 80.

The charity does point out that older drivers are over-represented when it comes to crashes at junctions.

Driving instructor says older drivers should have refresher lessons. Credit: ITV News Anglia

The Duke's crash has again raised that debate about older drivers and staying safe.

In 2011, 16-year-old Cassie McCord died after being knocked down by an 87-year-old driver in Colchester. He had failed an eye test just days before.

It led to new police powers, known as Cassie's Law, which has since seen hundreds of driving licences revoked after failed roadside eye tests.

Martin Wright is a driving instructor in Norwich. He says older people should consider attending 'refresher sessions' to keep their driving skills sharp.

Martin Wright said: ”I do wonder whether some are reluctant to make contact with a driving instructor. Maybe they're embarrassed.

“They've been driving for years and maybe they think they don't need to have a top-up. It's very easy to forget stuff, easy to forget checking mirrors and basic skills. A little refresher now and again would be useful."