UK to Require Regular Eye Tests for Drivers Over 70

The UK government is set to introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 every three years, marking a significant change to driving regulations in Britain. The measure forms part of the government's first road safety strategy in more than a decade, scheduled for publication on Wednesday.

Currently, UK drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, but there is no requirement for regular health or skill assessments once a licence is obtained. The new policy aims to address concerns about road safety as the population ages.

Rising Concerns About Older Drivers

Government figures reveal that nearly one in four car drivers killed on UK roads in 2024 were aged 70 or older. This statistic has prompted calls for stricter oversight of older drivers' fitness to drive.

Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organisation, welcomed the move, noting that eye tests are already free for people over 60 and recommended every two years by healthcare professionals. "In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years," King said.

Mixed Reactions from the Driving Community

Opinions among older drivers themselves are divided. Moira Hutchings, 71, from Farnborough, strongly supports the initiative. "I have annual eyesight tests as I have always had problems," she said. Despite being told she could legally drive without corrective lenses for her left eye, Hutchings chooses not to. "How anyone cannot, at my age, be checked out is beyond me."

However, some believe the measures don't go far enough. Robert Owens, also 71 and from Wrexham, argues that regular health checks should apply to all drivers regardless of age. "This issue does not purely affect the over-70s," Owens said, describing cars as "lethal weapons" and getting annual eye tests himself.

Healthcare Perspective

Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the Association of Optometrists, emphasised the gradual nature of vision deterioration. "Sight often deteriorates gradually, meaning drivers may not realise their vision no longer meets legal standards. Even small changes can cause drivers to react slower and increase the risk of serious collisions."

Hampson noted that the proposed change would align the UK with much of Europe, where regular vision checks for older drivers are already standard practice.

NHS Support and Implementation

The NHS already provides free eye tests for over-60s across the UK, with Scotland offering free tests for all age groups. This existing infrastructure should facilitate the implementation of the new requirement.

Balancing Safety and Independence

Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood stressed the importance of preserving personal freedoms while improving safety. "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."

However, Prof Andrew Steptoe, director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, cautioned that measures must be put in place to prevent older people from becoming socially isolated if they 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."

Enforcement Challenges

The current system relies on self-reporting, which has been criticised as ineffective. An inquest last year into the deaths of four people killed by drivers with failing vision found that the UK's enforcement of eyesight standards was "ineffective and unsafe."

HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire Dr James Adeley pointed out that the UK is one of only three countries to rely on self-reporting of visual conditions affecting driving ability. His report to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted how self-reporting allows drivers to lie about their status or ignore instructions not to drive.

Expert Recommendations

Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, emphasised that regular vision checks are sensible but must be part of a broader system. "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."

Age UK has expressed support for the change while noting that eye tests alone would not lead to a significant reduction in car crashes. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said most older drivers "take very seriously their responsibility to be safe on the road."

The new policy represents a significant shift in how the UK approaches driver safety for older adults, balancing the need for road safety with the desire to maintain independence for older citizens. As the population continues to age, such measures may become increasingly important in preventing accidents while ensuring that those who can safely drive continue to have that option.