Know the rules
Many countries tighten licence renewal for older drivers, but the details vary widely. Two examples:
| Where | Rule |
|---|---|
| UK (Great Britain) | From 70, renew every 3 years (free); you must meet the eyesight standard |
| South Korea | From 75, aptitude test every 3 years plus a mandatory 2-hour safety course with a cognitive self-check |
| US, Canada, Australia | Set by each state or province; check your local licensing agency |
Rules change, so check the official licensing authority where your parent lives.
How to raise it
- Start as a game: at a family meal or holiday, who’s fastest?
- Compare each person with themselves: never put a parent’s number next to their child’s.
- Link it to the official process: “When’s your next licence renewal?” Leave the judgement to that process.
- Talk about adjustments: less night driving or driving in heavy rain, for a start.
Reading results with care
- A phone reaction test is not a driving test. Driving also depends on vision, judgement and experience.
- A small screen or unfamiliarity with touch makes results slower. Practise a few times first.
- If results change a lot suddenly, don’t draw conclusions from an app; suggest seeing a doctor.
In the app
Compare with peers using age adjustment
In Reflex Lab Settings, choose Age group 60+ and unlock Age-adjusted rank with one ad, and for 24 hours the top-% is calculated against that age group. The same 330 ms ranks much higher against peers than against everyone, so parents can join in without feeling judged.
Start with Reaction Time
Begin with the simplest tests, Reaction Time and Auditory Reaction. Easy difficulty is only 3 rounds. If text is small, increase the phone’s font size.
FAQ
If the app score is bad, should they stop driving?
No. The app is for fun and is not a fitness-to-drive test. Leave that decision to official checks and medical advice.
Can I install it on my parent’s phone?
It works offline with no sign-up, so installing is all it takes. With the daily reminder on, it can also be a one-minute brain-game habit.
Reflex Lab: Brain Speed Test
No sign-up, fully offline, records stay on your device. Free on Android.