The Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, is consulting on new eyesight checks and cognitive tests for drivers aged over 70 or those born before 1956. This follows a study revealing that drivers over 55 are the least confident age group, with a confidence rating of just 78 per cent, compared to drivers aged 35 to 44 who are the most confident.
Confidence concerns among older drivers
New data shows that drivers over 55 feel uncomfortable performing certain maintenance tasks, driving in city centres, driving abroad, and driving in adverse weather conditions like snow or ice. Matt Clamp, car scrappage expert at Scrap Car Comparison, noted that refresher lessons are becoming popular among experienced drivers. "A few hours with an instructor can help rebuild confidence in specific situations such as motorway driving, parking or driving in unfamiliar areas," he said.
Clamp acknowledged that concerns around driving on unfamiliar roads are likely to become more common as roads are "arguably more complicated" now than in recent years. He added: "Drivers are dealing with more traffic, larger vehicles, new road layouts, clean air zones and increasingly complex in-car technology that can be a distraction."
Government consultation on eyesight and cognitive tests
The Labour Party government continues to explore new eyesight checks for drivers over age 70. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is leading the consultation, which considers eyesight tests every three years for drivers over 70 in line with current licence renewal, or increasing the frequency as drivers reach higher age thresholds, for example, 75, 80, 85, etc. The consultation also explores cognitive assessments as a future fitness-to-drive measure.
The consultation states: "Areas being explored include conducting eyesight tests every 3 years for drivers over 70 in line with current licence renewal, or increasing the frequency as drivers reach higher age thresholds, for example, 75, 80, 85, etc." It adds: "Consideration will be given in the future to other fitness to drive measures, such as cognitive assessments."
Impact on drivers and potential licence revocation
If drivers over 70 do not meet the minimum eyesight standards required, their licence could be revoked by the DVLA. The consultation, launched earlier this year, aims to ensure road safety amid an ageing population. Heidi Alexander, MP for Swindon South, previously served as a justice minister and deputy mayor of London for transport before taking on the transport brief.
The study also found that drivers are least confident in tasks performed less frequently, such as bay parking, which ranks as the task drivers are most confident with (94 per cent). The government's decision on the new requirements is expected to be made by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
