Training and Campaigns

We believe that older people should be able to live the lifestyle of their choice maintaining their independence for as long as possible.

Norfolks schemes are not driving tests.  They are merely to assess the drivers ability to make safe driving decisions, show safe car control and communication to other road users, and to drive to the rules of the road.  We use considerate and highly qualified trainers who will respect your driving experience and be helpful in their feedback towards maintaining your well being.

Advice for the Older Driver

With ever increasing traffic and changing vehicle technology it is no surprise that many of us find the task of driving very stressful. For those older drivers who do not have specific medical conditions but would still like advice concerning their driving there is a scheme of training and guidance available.

• To download a copy of the 'Advice for Older Drivers' leaflet please see the downloads area to the right of the page.

Guidance for the Older Driver (GOLD)

In January 2008 Norfolk County Council launched a scheme in partnership with Department for Transport for drivers who by age, ill health or mobility reasons would benefit from guidance and advice in maintaining a safe driving future for themselves and others. The scheme was named GOLD - Guidance for the Older Driver.

What is certain is that older people should be able to live the lifestyle of their choice maintaining their independence as long as possible, to deliver this vision agencies must work together to achieve the best outcome in terms of well being of older people. Norfolk's scheme endeavours to offer personal guidance and gives the client a belief that it is for their well being and safety and not merely a scheme to improve road casualty statistics. This personal intervention has enabled excellent relationships to be formed with the client.

The scheme coordinator visits the client in their own home and carries out an informal screening process centred on driving and health/medical questions; eyesight screening also takes place using a Keystone Vision Screener. Following this visit the client is contacted by one of our specialist appointed trainers to arrange a ‘drive' of a chosen time. This takes place in the client's vehicle and on roads they are familiar with.

Further drives are arranged if considered necessary. If a client decided to ‘retire' from driving or is advised to refrain from driving following an assessment, that person would then be assisted with future mobility decisions and not merely left to their own devices. This has sometimes involved protracted discussions with the client and family.

• For more information please see the downloads section to the right of this page to download a copy of the GOLD leaflet and poster.