Eight years ago there were just 2492 drivers aged 90 or over, today there are 8406.

The number of NSW drivers over 80 has also risen sharply, with experts predicting it’s a taste of things to come as people live longer and healthier lives.

Figures released by the Department of Roads and Maritime Services show the number of NSW licence holders aged over 80 has increased by a staggering 67 per cent.

At 96, Bathurst’s Francie Morris is a perfect example of someone living a longer and healthier life.

She was taught to drive by her boyfriend (who later became her husband) when she was 17.

“Not many people had a car back then,” she recalled. “The car was an Oldsmobile, and it had a switch instead of a key.”

When she was younger she drove table top trucks, but her choice of vehicle now is her beloved silver Barina, which she has had for the last 21 years.

“It’s a lovely little car, it looks like new. It’s only got 39,000 kilometres on it,” she said.

Francie said she’d be lost without her licence.

“My licence is restricted. I can’t drive more than 15km out of Bathurst but I haven’t driven out of Bathurst for the last 10 years. I haven’t got a reason to,” she said. 

“I just drive to mass, do my shopping and go to the golf club. I also visit friends in hospital, so it’s handy to still have the car.”

Francie said since she turned 85 she has been 

having regular eye and medical tests, which she has passed with flying colours. “I’ve been having them for 11 years so I’m used to them,” she said.

And at 96, Francie, touch wood, has never had a crash. “You have got to be sensible and not take risks,” she said.