Motorists over the age of 75 could have to sit an IQ test to stay on the road, it has been reported.
The exams are designed to measure whether an elderly driver is mentally up to it or will be a danger on the road.
OAPs will not have to retake their practical driving test but new barriers will include an eyesight exam.
Ministers are understood to be keen to ban anyone over 75 who does not pass the exams and will make them repeat the series of IQ tests every five years to continue driving.
The proposals are expected in a government consultation document and could be announced within weeks.
The papers could outline a ‘cognitive’ exam that measures brain power and drivers will be asked to detect the odd one out from a number of shapes.
Road safety groups have welcomed the changes but charities such as Age Concern fear the elderly are at risk of being stereotyped.