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The UK government is set to introduce new regulations requiring drivers aged 70 and above to undergo vision tests every three years as part of broader reforms to driving laws. These adjustments are included in the upcoming road safety strategy scheduled for release on Wednesday. Among other proposed changes, the strategy aims to reduce the drink-driving limit in England to the same level as that in Scotland and to impose penalty points on drivers who fail to wear seatbelts.
Statistics from the government reveal that nearly 25% of car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older, highlighting concerns about the safety of older drivers. Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organization, noted that eye tests are already provided free for people over 60 and recommended every two years by healthcare professionals, who emphasize the importance of these tests for detecting other health issues. King added, “In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years.”
Currently, UK drivers of any age must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), but no periodic checks on driving ability or health are required once a licence is issued. The system relies on drivers to self-report any conditions affecting their ability to drive, which critics argue is insufficient. Lilian Greenwood, the local transport minister, acknowledged the necessity of balancing safety with independence, saying, “We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads.”
Concerns about the current system were emphasized in a recent inquest into four fatalities caused by drivers with impaired vision. HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr. James Adeley, criticized the reliance on self-reporting as “ineffective and unsafe.” He noted that the UK is one of only three countries to depend on drivers to disclose visual impairments themselves. In his report to the Transport Secretary, Dr. Adeley stated, “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. Drivers may also admit they drive but then ignore instructions not to drive and fail to notify the DVLA.
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