The number of older drivers is increasing, but unfortunately these drivers are known as a risk group. However, the decision to stop driving is not easily made. This is due to the fact that driving cessation negatively affects the quality of life. Research aimed at keeping older drivers on the road as safe drivers for as long as possible is therefore important. With age, there is a decline of physical and psychological functioning. These functions have an influence on driving performance, e.g. processing speed on driving speed. The present study investigates whether age and a selection of neuropsychological tests can predict driving performance. Importantly, in addition to summarized measures of functional ability, specific measures of both functional ability and driving ability were used providing a refinement at both levels. The sample consisted of 47 participants with a mean age of 76 years. Each participant completed several neuropsychological tests as well as a driving simulator test. Specific driving situations that are known to cause difficulty for older drivers were included, such as turning left at an intersection. The results confirm that age alone as a criterion for driving ability is not sufficient. Measures of psychological ability are most important as predictors of driving ability. Moreover, the specific measures rather than the summarized measures of psychological ability are best in predicting the performance on specific driving measures. These results guide future development of training interventions tailored to an individual by specifically targeting those driving functions and psychological functions that are impaired. This publication may be accessed by Internet users at: http://www.ictct.org/workshop.php?workshop_nr=35
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