The number of motorists aged 100 or over has almost tripled in the past year.

Figures from the DVLA show that there were 506 centenarians with a driving licence, up from 182 a year ago, according to the Herald Scotland. Close to five million motorists are over 70 too.

This is the result of Britain’s aging population and older people unwilling to sacrifice the mobility and freedom their car provides.

A 111-year old man is currently the oldest motorist on UK roads, according to the DVLA, followed by a 108-year woman.

Research published earlier this month suggested that older drivers are no more dangerous on the roads than younger motorists.

However, it has been suggested that more elderly motorists plan their journeys to avoid ‘rush hour’ and potentially uncomfortable situations.

Motoring organisation RAC believes that measures should be introduced to ensure that motorists of all ages develop and regularly refresh their driving skills throughout their life on the road.