The DVLA is cancelling driving licences for motorists over the age of 80 due to concerns over eyesight, with new data revealing that 8,060 licences have been revoked for drivers aged between 80 and 89. A further 1,202 photocards have been cancelled for those aged 90 and above.
Roadside Eyesight Tests Under 2026 Regulations
Under current regulations introduced in 2026, police officers now have the authority to carry out immediate eyesight tests at the roadside. Drivers who fail the standard '20-metre' number plate test can have their licences revoked on the spot through a fast-track notification process to the DVLA.
Simon England, founder at ALA Insurance, warns that many older drivers may unknowingly be operating vehicles with poor vision. He explains: “Losing your licence is life-changing, but the safety risk of driving with impaired vision is even more severe. The difficulty is that eyesight often deteriorates so slowly that we don’t notice the change in our day-to-day lives. By the time you realise you’re struggling to read a road sign, you may have already been driving below the legal limit for some time.”
Recommendations for All Drivers
England recommends that all drivers, regardless of age, book a professional eye test at least every two years. “In the eyes of the law, ‘I didn't realise’ is not a valid defence. Protecting your vision is the simplest way to protect your licence and, more importantly, the safety of everyone on the road,” he adds.
Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options, highlights that vision problems can develop gradually over time, and many motorists may not realise their eyesight has deteriorated until it affects activities like driving at night or reading road signs. He states: “A lot of drivers understandably associate eyesight issues with older age, but vision can change very gradually, and many people may not immediately notice small problems developing. The current system places a great deal of responsibility on motorists to recognise when their eyesight may no longer meet the legal standard.”
Thompson emphasises the importance of regular eye tests for drivers of all ages: “Even relatively small vision changes can impact reaction times, depth perception, and the ability to spot hazards quickly. Whether or not mandatory eyesight testing is expanded in the future, drivers should treat eye tests as an important part of staying safe and legal on the roads.”
