Vintage attitude to life on the road

Octogenarian Jack Hoven loves it behind the wheel of his vintage car Rosie Studebaker. Photo / George Novak

Jack Hoven is one of a growing number of seniors still behind the wheel.

Mr Hoven, 84, is one of the oldest members of Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club who still arrives at the club driving his own car, he said.

But he joins a growing number of senior drivers taking to the road.

Mr Hoven said it was important people recognised when it was time to stop driving.

"I think there's a time when you should hand in your keys because it's not safe.

"You shouldn't wait to have an accident.

"It's better to hand in the licence when you feel you are not safe on the road, but I feel safe," he said.

"But I have to think about where I'm going, plan how I'm going to get there a bit more. Whereas before I used to just hop in and away I go. But I love it, driving."

Mr Hoven said it was only natural people forgot things as they got older and chosesafer options.

"I know that as some people get older, they tend to buy more modern cars but that's not for me. I love vintage cars."

So much so he owns seven of them. Younger people did not seem to like older cars as much, he said.

"They don't want to drive slow. They want to drive fast."

Mr Hoven has only just returned from taking part in a car rally at Waikanae, near Wellington.