The frailer you are, the less satisfactory your central nervous system is, and the more likely it is that you are a poor driver

Professor Rabbit, researcher

His findings follow research involving almost 2,000 drivers aged 49-86.

They also suggest that there is no strong correlation between reaction time, memory and intelligence, and the accident record of elderly people.

It is proposed that simple physical measurements can identify at risk elderly motorists more effectively than regular driving tests.

Professor Rabbit said one possibility was that elderly motorists could be monitored by having the tests at their GP surgery at three or four yearly intervals after the age of 70.

Driver danger

If the combined test score was too low, the GP could then recommend a more thorough examination to look for any underlying problems so serious that the individual should not be on the road.

Speaking at the British Psychological Society's annual conference in Blackpool, Lancashire, Dr Rabbit said:"The frailer you are, the less satisfactory your central nervous system is, and the more likely it is that you are a poor driver."

He was unwilling to speculate whether elderly motorists who fared badly would be forced to stop driving.

In Finland, people are not allowed to drive after the age of 70.