People who use mobility scooters will not have to take a compulsory course in how to use them, despite calls to improve pensioner safety, according to the Telegraaf.

Political party 50Plus has called for the introduction of a sort of driver’s license for mobility scooter users. However, infrastructure minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen says a test may prove too much of a hurdle for people whose only chance at mobility is the scooter. In addition, she said, there are courses available for people who want them.

50Plus MP Corrie van Brenk  says the number of mobility scooter users is going to increase sharply in years to come and compulsory course will be necessary.

‘There are over 230,000 mobility scooters at the moment and the number is set to go up to 600,000. I’ve being told that not all drivers are up to operating them. Instead of hitting the brakes, they accelerate, for example,’ Van Brenk told the paper.

The minister has said she will not take any action until an investigation into accidents involving mobility scooters has been completed.

Last year, 38 people using mobility scooters were killed on the Dutch roads. In 2015, the death toll was 31.