Norfolk County Council’s road safety team has launched a new campaign to support older people review their driving and get the support they need, when they need it.
The campaign, launched in collaboration with Norfolk Police, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and East of England Ambulance Service, encourages older drivers to take extra steps to ensure they can drive safely for longer.
This includes to look out for subtle health changes and to talk honestly with trusted friends, family or a professional.
Data shows 25% of Norfolk’s population are over 65 years – with Norfolk also having a higher healthy life expectancy than the national average.
However, 81% of people who responded to Norfolk County Council’s Older Driver Survey in 2024 reported not knowing where to get support to drive safely for longer.
The campaign, called ‘Drive Safe’, includes a series of videos produced by NFRS, a digital toolkit with practical tips, new driver workshops and additional places on Norfolk County Council’s GOLD course.
Data shows 2,000 people have already accessed the new resources since they launched in April 2025, and 70 people have registered to attend a driver workshop.
A GOLD course is designed to refresh driving skills, build confidence, and support older drivers. The one-hour on-road driving session is conducted by an approved driving instructor (ADI) who tailors the session to the driver’s needs.
Cllr Fran Whymark, cabinet member for public health, said: “For many of us, driving is a part of daily life, and the idea that we might need support, or some advice, to drive safely is difficult to swallow. But it’s natural that as we get older our reactions slow down, our eyesight isn’t as good, or any number of other things can happen that affect our driving skills.
“I’m looking forward to doing the GOLD course, getting some advice about driving safely, and having peace of mind that my driving doesn’t put myself or others at risk.”
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