Digital camera-based rear‑view systems are increasingly introduced as alternatives to traditional mirrors, offering potential benefits such as improved aerodynamics, reduced blind spots, and enhanced visibility. However, these systems alter the visual cues available to drivers by presenting a fixed monocular image, which might affect how distance and approach speed are judged. This study examines how driver-age influences distance estimation and decisions related to overtaking, while also assessing the impact of camera field of view and camera height. Fifty‑eight licensed car drivers viewed thirty‑six high‑resolution driving clips showing forward‑road scenes and digital rear‑view perspectives with systematically varied camera settings. They completed two tasks: judging the distance of an approaching vehicle and indicating the last moment at which a lane change would be considered safe. Age influenced both perceptual judgements and lane‑change decisions, though not always in the expected direction. Older drivers showed smaller overall errors, yet at wider fields of view they often shifted into overestimation, while younger drivers maintained conservative underestimation. Older drivers nevertheless selected more cautious lane‑change timings in certain conditions. Apparent accuracy advantages may reflect reduced bias rather than consistently safer perception; The results highlight the importance of accounting for user diversity when evaluating camera-based rear‑view systems and developing age‑inclusive design strategies.