There has been a rise in centenarian drivers, figures show, as the RAC and AA say drivers need not give up their cars too early.

The number of over-70s holding a driving licence has exceeded five million for the first time, new figures show.

Analysis of DVLA data reveals 265 Britons over the age of 100 hold a licence, up from 162 in November 2012, with four people aged 104 the oldest licensed drivers.

There has been a 15 per cent spike in centenarians with licences since October 2015.

Once people reach 70 they must declare whether or not they are fit to drive every three years, without having to take a driving or medical examination.

Concerns have been raised that some elderly people are continuing to drive when they are not fit to do so.

In particular some families who have been bereaved as a result of mistakes made by older drivers have called for a change in the law.

But motoring organisations resisted calls for older people to be re-tested in order to keep their license.

There are concerns in particular that rural residents would become more isolated and be left unable to visit friends and go shopping if they could not access a car.