THE number of WA drivers aged over 90 has jumped dramatically in the past three years — at a time when nearly half of WA motorists want elderly drivers off the road.

A survey by online consumer group finder.com.au found that, on average, West Australians felt drivers should lose their licence when they turn 80.

The survey results come as new Department of Transport figures show the number of WA drivers aged over 90 has soared from 2743 in 2014 to 4306 this year. WA’s oldest licensed driver is 103.

The issue of elderly drivers has been controversial in the Eastern States recently. Two weeks ago, an 87-year-old driver was sentenced to nine months jail after pleading guilty to negligent driving causing death.

Edwin Jessop was driving in northern NSW in October when he failed to see 22-year-old motorcyclist Dann Jenkins and turned directly into his path.

The dead man’s family have called for stronger restrictions on older drivers “before more lives are lost”.

Insurance Commission of WA secretary Kane Blackman said that since 2014, drivers aged over 90 represented less than 0.2 per cent of all motorists involved in crashes where a personal injury claim was made.

And in about half of these cases, they were not at fault.

Under WA’s laws, drivers over 80 need a medical assessment certificate and must be examined by a doctor to assess their fitness to drive.

Drivers over 85 may also be required to complete an annual practical driving assessment.

The finder.com.au survey found 45 per cent of West Australians believed elderly people should lose their licence.

But 60 per cent of baby boomers — those born in the 1940s to 1960s — believed there should be no driving restrictions.

Old hand confident in abilities

Bunbury man Gerry Mallott has been driving for more than 60 years.

The 78-year-old has never been in a serious accident and recently got his first speeding fine in about 30 years — in an area where he did not realise the speed limit had recently changed.

So he does not buy the view that elderly drivers should not be allowed on the roads.

“I always drive with two hands on the wheel — except when I have to scratch,” Mr Mallott said.

“Other drivers certainly don’t.

“They drive around with one arm hanging out the window. They look distracted. They can’t be concentrating.

“Young drivers have probably been well-trained but they choose to ignore what they’ve learnt. They tailgate and cut in front of you.”

Mr Mallott, who usually drives locally but occasionally makes the trip to Perth to visit his son or hospital, admitted that some older people were not good drivers.

He believed it was appropriate to assess motorists after they turned 80 to determine if they were fit to drive.