Seven in ten UK adults support compulsory eye tests for drivers to improve road safety, new research reveals

Seven in ten UK adults support calls for the introduction of mandatory eye tests for motorists at both driving licence application and renewals, reveals new joint research from The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists (AOP)*.

The national survey of 2,000 UK adults found strong support for strengthening the UK’s vision standards for driving, echoing The College of Optometrists’ and Association of Optometrists’ position that regular eye tests for drivers are essential to keep all road users safe.

The research found that 71% believe drivers should have to provide evidence from a recent eye test that they meet the vision standards when applying for a licence for the first time.

Furthermore, almost seven in ten adults (68%) believe evidence from a recent eye test should also be required at each licence renewal. The number of drivers who support compulsory eye tests at each licence renewal has most support among drivers age over 55 years (72%).

A significantly higher proportion of people believing that mandatory eye tests should be introduced for older age groups at each licence renewal:

• 51% for drivers aged 40+
• 59% for drivers aged 50+
• 70% for drivers aged 60+
• 76% for drivers aged 70+.

Number plate vision checks and self-reporting not fit for purpose 

The UK is one of only five European countries to use a number plate test for eyesight testing, and one of only three countries to rely on self-reporting of visual conditions affecting the ability to drive. Currently, UK drivers must self-declare to the DVLA if they fail to meet the vision standards for driving or are diagnosed with any notifiable eye condition that may affect their driving.

Optometrists call for drivers to submit evidence of a recent eye test to improve road safety for all

Earlier this year, an inquest brought by Dr James Adeley, Senior Coroner for Lancashire, into the cases of four pedestrians who were killed in road traffic collisions where the drivers’ poor eyesight was a significant factor. Dr Adeley sent a report to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to say action should be taken to prevent future deaths, after he found enforcement of visual legal standards for drivers was “unsafe”.

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists say that a more robust implementation of the UK’s vision standards for driving, requiring small changes to existing legislation, would have a considerable impact on reducing avoidable collisions and making the roads safer for all.

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists have consistently called for a change to the law to help make our roads as safe as possible. Their shared principles include:

• A mandatory requirement for drivers to submit evidence of a recent eye test at initial licence application and at every renewal (every 10 years and then every three years from age 70, to align with age-related eye conditions and deterioration in eyesight)
• Increased public awareness of the importance of regular eye tests between renewals, recommended every two years or as advised by their optometrist, to ensure drivers continue to meet driving standards.

Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists, said, “These findings highlight the public recognises that current vision checks aren’t keeping pace with what’s needed to keep everyone safe on the road. Requiring a simple eye test when people apply for and renew their driving licence is a practical step that would support road safety and improve the nation’s eye health. Importantly, regular eye tests would help detect problems earlier so that more people, including older drivers, can drive safely for longer, while also preventing avoidable sight loss.”

Eye tests across the UK are funded by the NHS for everyone aged over 60. Some other groups are also eligible for NHS funded eye tests, and everyone in Scotland can access NHS funded eye tests.

Dr Peter Hampson, Clinical and Policy Director at the Association of Optometrists said, “Sight changes often happen so gradually that drivers don’t realise their vision has deteriorated. Yet we know that poor eye sight can cause people to react more slowly and compromise safe driving, which can be the difference between recognising a hazard and having a collision with tragic consequences.

“Vision-related accidents could be avoided with simple, evidence-based updates to the current legislation in the UK. This latest research shows that the majority of the public agree that change is needed. That’s why we believe our joint principles are the basis for a fair, consistent system – where a driver’s vision is checked by an eye health professional. This step is common sense, is the direction much of Europe is moving in, and it’s clear the public recognise it as a vital step towards making our roads safer for everyone.”

Ends

Notes to editors

*Opinium conducted online research among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults on 25-27 November 2025 on behalf of The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists.

Read the full principles for vision standards for driving here.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Vicky Bristow, PR and Media, The College of Optometrists, [email protected], 07790 957 338.

Serena Box, Head of Media, PR and External Affairs, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected], 0207 549 2040.

About The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals.

About the Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing 80% of practising optometrists. The AOP elevates the work of its members, safeguards their interests, and champions eye health across the UK. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk