Consultation on mandatory sight testing for older drivers launched

The Department for Transport (DfT) has opened a consultation on proposals to introduce mandatory sight tests for drivers over the age of 70.

This follows the launch of the Government’s new road safety strategy, today (7 January), with a plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.

Consultations will also be held for proposals to introduce a minimum learning period for learner drivers and lower the alcohol limit for driving.

The DfT is seeking views on the potential to introduce mandatory sight tests for older drivers during licence renewal.

The consultation period began on 7 January and will run until 31 March.

The consultation outlines that, with the ageing population, the proportion of older drivers on the road is increasing sharply. From November 2012 to May 2025, the number of people aged 70 and over holding a full driving licence increased by 60%, from 3.9 million to 6.3 million, the consultation states.

In the foreword to the consultation, Minister for Local Transport, Lilian Greenwood MP, wrote: “I have listened to the calls to consider the current process of self-declaration at the point of licence renewal for older drivers, including recommendations from coroners following fatal road collisions.”

Greenwood said that the “right balance” needs to be found between “ensuring that older people can actively participate in society and retain their independence, whilst at the same time maintaining safe driving on the roads.”

Optical bodies welcome proposals

The plans have been welcomed by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and the College of Optometrists, which have been actively campaigning for reform to UK driving law when it comes to vision standards.

In particular, the professional bodies have called for a mandatory requirement for all drivers to submit evidence of a recent eye test at initial licence application and at every renewal, as well as increased awareness of the importance of regular eye tests.

The two professional bodies are jointly reviewing the detail of the consultation with plans to respond. Both organisations will consult with members as part of this process, they said.

A set of principles for implementing the current vision standards for driving in the UK, developed jointly by the AOP and the College of Optometrists, will also inform the response.

Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the AOP, described the proposal for mandatory eye tests for drivers over the age of 70 as a “vital step forward in modernising road safety, preventing avoidable vision-related tragedies.”

The UK is one of only three countries that relies on self-reporting, he added, noting that introducing this change would deliver a “fair, consistent system where drivers’ eyesight is checked by qualified professionals.”

Read more from the AOP and the College of Optometrists on the proposals, along with a timeline of this story, on OT.

Keeping everyone safer

In response to the proposals, Vivienne Francis, chief strategy and public affairs officer at the Royal National institute of Blind People, welcomed the eye test requirement for drivers over 70, but emphasised: “We believe this should go further: all drivers should provide proof of a recent eye test when renewing their licence.”

Regular eye examinations could help to protect people from losing sight unnecessarily, she said, and also help “keep everyone safer on our roads.”

“We do very much understand the impact on mental health the loss of a driving licence related to sight loss can have, especially if people have been driving for many years, so we want to make sure anyone who needs it gets support,” Francis said.

Dazzling headlights

The Government’s road safety strategy includes measures to target illegal number plates and crack down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, welcomed the strategy, sharing: “Britain might have some of the safest roads by international standards, but on average, four people are still killed and 76 seriously injured every single day. That’s an unacceptable number of lives being ruined or cut short.”

Dennis noted that the strategy addresses many areas of concern, including dazzling headlights.

On this issue, he said: “We’ve long campaigned for action when it comes to headlight glare as it’s drivers’ top vehicle safety concern. We look forward to seeing how the Government plans to reduce glare from both existing and new vehicles.”

The RAC has carried out research into driver concerns on dazzle from headlights.