Seven in 10 UK adults support compulsory vision test when first applying for licence

A survey of 2000 UK adults by the AOP and The College of Optometrists has explored public views on vision requirements for driving.

The research found that 71% of respondents supported a requirement to provide evidence from a recent eye test when applying for a licence for the first time.

The survey also reported that close to eight in ten respondents (76%) supported mandatory sight tests at each licence renewal for drivers aged 70 and older.

AOP clinical and policy director, Dr Peter Hampson, highlighted: “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.”

College of Optometrists clinical adviser, Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE, shared that the findings show “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,” he said.

The survey found that the proportion of respondents who supported providing evidence of a recent sight test at licence renewal increased for drivers in older age groups.

Around half of drivers (51%) supported mandatory sight tests at each licence renewal for drivers aged 40 and older.

This proportion increased to 59% for drivers aged 50 and older, 70% for drivers aged 60 and older, and 76% for drivers aged 70 and older.

The AOP and College of Optometrists are calling for a mandatory requirement for drivers to submit evidence of a recent eye test at initial licence application and at every renewal.

This would mean that drivers would need to provide evidence of a recent sight test every 10 years until the age of 70, and every three years after this point – to align with age-related eye conditions and deterioration in eyesight.