The Labour Party government is debating new rules for drivers over 70, but a compulsory test could be extended to motorists under that age. Under the Road Safety Strategy, the government is considering mandatory eyesight checks for ageing motorists to curb road deaths, with deteriorating eyesight cited as a factor.
Optometrists Call for Wider Scope
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) and College of Optometrists welcomed the proposals but urged the government to go further. The AOP stated: "Sight deterioration can occur at any age, with many individuals not noticing an early visual change." They recommend that formal evidence of a valid sight test be required at every licence application and renewal for all drivers: every 10 years for most, and every three years from age 70.
Current System Relies on Self-Declaration
The AOP emphasized that a policy limited to older drivers fails to address a known weakness: many drivers under 70 have undetected visual impairment. They argued that mandatory tests for all ages would offer a "significant improvement" over the current system, which depends on drivers self-declaring their vision.
The government is reviewing the consultation details, with a focus on improving road safety across all age groups.
