A DRIVER with 82 accident-free years behind the wheel is demanding his licence back after it was withdrawn on his 100th birthday.

Tom Soulby was told that he was losing his licence on doctor’s orders. But the retired engineer insists that both he and his car, a 1981 Austin Metro with only 24,000 miles on the clock, are good for many more years.

After telling Mr Soulby that he was recommending that his licence be withdrawn, his GP presented him with a birthday card from the staff at his health centre to go with his telegram from the Queen.

The doctor made the decision even though Mr Soulby sailed through his three-yearly medical to determine his fitness to drive last summer, when he was 99. Since then he has suffered a mild heart attack, from which he feels he has recovered.

Mr Soulby, who lives in Wimborne, Dorset, said: “I’ve had my licence since 1923 and it is as clean as a whistle. I have never had a crash or any convictions. But I had a heart attack earlier this year and my GP told me I couldn’t drive any more.

“He told me the news on my 100th birthday just as I was about to go to the pub to celebrate. He is a super doctor and has looked after me wonderfully and he is doing it for my benefit, but I’m quite annoyed because I think I’m fine to drive. I only do about 1,000 miles a year.”

Mr Soulby was married to May for 17 years until her death in 1990. They had lived together since 1930 but married only after the death her first husband, because she was against divorce. His motoring career began 12 years before the introduction of the driving test. He drove a Morgan three-wheel sports car until he bought a Renault from a friend for £6.

Viv Sterl, of the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority, said that there was no upper age limit but drivers must renew their licence every three years after the age of 70.

“Applicants are required to declare any relevant medical condition, including their ability to meet the statutory eyesight standard,” she added. “If they do not renew, the licence automatically expires.”

GETTING TO 100

Mr Soulby attributes his longevity to:

• A stable upbringing
  
  
• Cereal, and tomatoes and bacon on toast, every morning
  
  
• A good doctor