SAGE – Safer Driving with Age

What is SAGE?

SAGE is a driving assessment for mature drivers, but SAGE is definitely not a driving test! The assessment is based on common sense, safe, skilful, everyday driving. There are no trick questions or unusual manoeuvres.

The assessment will take about one hour to complete, and your assessor will be a friendly experienced Approved Driving Instructor.

We present each person who completes the assessment with a certificate and written feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicle will I drive?

The assessment will take place in your own car, and it will commence from your home address or a mutually convenient place.

How much will it cost?

The assessment, including a written report will cost £65.

What if my driving is not up to standard?

If your driving is not up to the required standard you will be given the necessary guidance and advice.

How to book your assessment

Contact our customer care team at Driver Education on 0116 305 8787, please ensure that you have your driving licence and payment card with you to enable us to record the necessary details and make payment for your course.

Alternatively, you can email us with your interest and someone from our customer care team will be in touch. E-mail: drivereducation@leics.gov.uk or complete our contact form here.

What happens once I have booked a place?

As agreed with you at the time of booking, we will arrange for one of our Approved Driving Instructors to make contact to arrange a convenient date and time for your assessment.

Before your Driving assessment begins

Before you go out with your Approved Driving Instructor they will need to check the following:

Your Eyesight

• You will be required to undertake an eyesight test, you MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate, in good daylight, from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet).
• If you are required to wear glasses or contact lenses for driving please ensure you have these with you for your assessment.

Please remember: You should have your eyes tested regularly. Changes in your eyesight can happen slowly and without you realising it.

Your Vehicle

• It is important that your vehicle is in a road worthy condition for your assessment.
• It should have a valid MOT test and be taxed.

• You will also need to show the Approved Driving Instructor a copy of your valid insurance certificate before the drive.

Please remember: it is important to carry out regularly basic checks on your vehicle. This should include checking the tyres, oil, water, lights, wipers and washer fluid level.
Make sure your mirrors, lights and windscreen are clean. Details of how to do basic checks are included in your vehicle handbook.

Your Driving Licence:

Our Advanced driving Instructor will also ask to see your driving licence on the day of your assessment.
Your driving licence, which will be:

EITHER: A photo card driving licence. (Please note: the paper counterpart licence which was issued with photo-card licences until June 2015, is no longer valid and will not be accepted as proof of your driving licence.)

OR: An old-style paper driving licence together with photographic identification. Such as your passport, employment ID card, bus pass.

Original Photographic Identification is required, digital copies or photocopies will be accepted.

Please remember: When you reach the age of 70 the law requires you to renew your licence and this has to be done every three years thereafter.

All drivers must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on the onset or worsening of a medical condition which may affect their ability to drive. Further information is also available on the internet at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence

Failure to produce or evidence the above mandatory checks will mean the instructor is unable to carry out the assessment.

We may be able to re-book the assessment for you but this may incur additional charges, please contact our customer care team to discuss this on 0116 305 8787.

The Highway Code

It is important to make sure you are familiar with the current Highway Code, which is available from all good bookshops. The Highway Code is also available here.