Many older drivers believe their long experience means their habits are fixed. In reality, drivers of any age can unlearn risky habits and adopt safer ones with structured retraining. Common bad habits include minimal mirror use, tailgating, speeding on familiar roads and poor phone discipline. Defensive driving courses and refresher lessons can address these without judgement. Age is not a barrier to improvement. The willingness to reflect and adjust is. If you have been driving for decades, a fresh set of eyes from a qualified instructor can reveal blind spots you have normalised.
Source: South African Government road-safety guidance on driver improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can older drivers improve their habits?
Yes. Structured retraining can help at any age.
What bad habits are common in experienced drivers?
Minimal mirror use, tailgating, speeding on familiar roads, phone distraction.
Are refresher lessons only for new drivers?
No. They are valuable for any driver wanting to improve.
How can an older driver start improving?
Book a defensive driving or refresher course with a qualified instructor.