Drivers over 70 to face eye tests every three years.

Britain is set to introduce a significant overhaul of its driving regulations, mandating that drivers over the age of 70 undergo compulsory vision checks every three years to maintain their licence. This proactive measure forms a key pillar of the government’s comprehensive new road safety strategy, slated for official publication on Wednesday. The proposed changes aim to enhance road safety for all users by addressing age-related health issues that can impair driving ability, particularly vision.

This new requirement is part of a broader package of reforms, some of which were initially reported in August, signalling a concerted effort by the government to modernise and tighten road safety laws across the UK. Other notable proposals within the strategy include the intention to lower the drink-driving limit in England, bringing it into alignment with the stricter limit already in place in Scotland. Additionally, the strategy will introduce penalty points for individuals caught not wearing seatbelts, reinforcing the importance of basic safety precautions. These combined measures reflect a commitment to tackling various risk factors on the roads, from impaired driving to inadequate safety restraint use.

The rationale behind the intensified focus on older drivers’ vision is underpinned by concerning statistics. Government figures reveal that nearly one in four car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older. While this statistic doesn’t exclusively point to visual impairment as the cause, it highlights a disproportionate involvement of this demographic in fatal accidents, prompting a closer examination of contributing factors such as declining eyesight, slower reaction times, and other age-related cognitive or physical changes. Currently, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) requires drivers to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. However, this is largely a self-policed standard, and once a licence is obtained, drivers of any age are not routinely required to prove their ongoing fitness or health. The onus is on individuals to self-report any medical conditions that might impair their driving, a system that many critics argue is insufficient and prone to failure.

Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organisation, voiced support for the new eye test mandate, noting that "Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions." He further emphasised that "In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years." King’s comments underscore that the new regulation formalises a practice already widely recommended by health and motoring experts, transforming a suggestion into a legal requirement. This shift from a self-reporting, advisory system to a mandatory, periodic check is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that drivers’ vision remains at a safe standard throughout their driving careers, particularly as they age.

Public reaction to the proposed changes has been varied but generally positive, especially among the demographic directly affected. Moira Hutchings, 71, from Farnborough, openly endorsed the idea of mandatory eye tests for older drivers, calling it "definitely a good idea." Hutchings, who herself undergoes annual eyesight tests due to pre-existing problems, shared a personal anecdote illustrating the importance of responsible vision care. Despite being legally cleared to drive without a corrective lens for her left eye, she stated, "I wouldn’t dream of doing so." Her sentiment reflects a conscientious approach to driving safety, asking, "How anyone cannot, at my age, be checked out is beyond me." This highlights a self-awareness among some older drivers regarding the potential for age-related decline and the need for external verification.

Robert Owens, also 71, from Wrexham, took an even stronger stance, advocating for the government to go further by requiring regular health checks for drivers of all ages, not just the over-70s. "This issue does not purely affect the over-70s," he asserted, describing cars as "lethal weapons" in the hands of anyone unfit to drive. Owens, who proactively gets an eye test annually, makes it a point to ask his optician, "am I optically fit to drive?" and pledges to stop driving if the answer were ever no. His perspective broadens the conversation, suggesting that while the immediate focus is on older drivers, the underlying principle of ensuring driver fitness applies universally. This sentiment points to a potential future where periodic medical assessments might become a standard part of licence renewal for all age groups, aligning the UK with practices in many other European nations.

The availability of free NHS eye tests for over-60s across the UK, and for all age groups in Scotland, means that the practical implementation of this new regulation should not pose a significant financial barrier for the target demographic. Dr. Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the Association of Optometrists, strongly supports the move. He explained that "Sight often deteriorates gradually, meaning drivers may not realise their vision no longer meets legal standards." This insidious decline, he warned, means "Even small changes can cause drivers to react slower and increase the risk of serious collisions." Dr. Hampson highlighted how common age-related eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration can significantly impair critical driving functions like night vision, peripheral awareness, and sensitivity to glare. These conditions often progress without obvious symptoms until they are quite advanced, making regular professional checks invaluable. He concluded that "This simple change to the law would bring the UK into line with much of Europe," where many countries already have mandatory medical or vision checks for licence renewal at certain ages or intervals. For instance, countries like Spain, Italy, and Portugal often require drivers to undergo medical examinations, including eye tests, at various points, particularly from middle age onwards, for licence renewal.

Lilian Greenwood, local transport minister, articulated the government’s delicate balancing act, stating, "As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first road safety strategy in more than a decade will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives." This statement acknowledges the importance of maintaining independence for older citizens while prioritising public safety. The government aims to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by deteriorating vision, thereby reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the roads. The benefits for the government include not only an expected reduction in accident rates but also an increase in public confidence regarding road safety standards, bringing the UK closer to international best practices.

However, the policy is not without its potential downsides, particularly concerning the impact on the social well-being of older individuals. Professor Andrew Steptoe, director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, cautioned that measures must be put in place to protect older people who might be forced to surrender their licences. "If more older people are unable to drive, efforts need to be made to offset any reductions in social contact and to maintain active engagement with friends, family and the community," he advised. For many older adults, driving is synonymous with independence, providing crucial access to shops, medical appointments, social events, and family. Losing the ability to drive can lead to significant social isolation, reduced quality of life, and even mental health challenges. Addressing this would require complementary initiatives, such as improved public transport options in rural areas, expanded community transport schemes, subsidised taxi services, or enhanced support networks to help maintain older people’s connectivity.

Age UK, a leading charity for older people, supported the change in principle but stressed that eye tests alone would not lead to a significant reduction in car crashes. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, emphasised that most older drivers "take very seriously their responsibility to be safe on the road." She implied that a holistic approach to road safety is necessary, considering other factors such as road design, vehicle safety technologies, and general health conditions beyond just vision. While vision is critical, other aspects of health, cognitive function, and physical mobility also play a role in driving competence.

The necessity for such a reform was starkly highlighted last year by an inquest into the tragic deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing vision. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr. James Adeley, condemned the existing enforcement of eyesight standards on the roads as "ineffective and unsafe." His report, submitted to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, pointed out that the UK was conspicuously one of only three countries worldwide to rely solely on the self-reporting of visual conditions affecting driving ability. Dr. Adeley’s findings were damning: "Self-reporting of visual conditions permits drivers to lie about their current driving status to those performing an ophthalmic assessment and avoid warnings not to drive." He further elaborated on the systemic flaw, noting that "Drivers may also admit they drive but then ignore instructions not to drive and fail to notify the DVLA." This indictment of the previous system provides a powerful justification for the new mandatory testing regime.

Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), echoed the sentiment for proactive measures. She stated, "Regular vision checks are a sensible way to reduce risk as we age, but the priority must be a system that supports people to drive safely for as long as possible, while ensuring timely action is taken when health or eyesight could put them or others in danger." Her comments encapsulate the balanced approach sought by many road safety advocates: to prolong safe driving for those who are fit, while responsibly intervening when risks emerge.

In conclusion, the government’s decision to mandate eye tests every three years for drivers over 70 marks a significant shift in UK road safety policy. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive measures to address age-related health issues that can impact driving ability. While aiming to reduce accidents and fatalities, the strategy also navigates the complex social implications for older adults, necessitating complementary support systems to prevent isolation. This reform, alongside other proposed measures, signals a robust commitment to creating safer roads for everyone, aligning the UK with international standards and responding to expert calls for a more vigilant approach to driver fitness.