The government led by Andy Burnham is actively considering the introduction of roadside eyesight checks for motorists of all ages, a move that could see drivers who fail the test have their licences revoked on the spot. This forms part of the Road Safety Strategy, a comprehensive set of reforms first unveiled in January under the previous Labour Cabinet.
Roadside tests for all drivers
The strategy explicitly states that the government will "continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to highlight the importance of regular police roadside eyesight tests for all drivers." The key aim is to ensure that any driver who fails to meet the minimum eyesight standards required for driving will have their driving licence revoked by the DVLA.
This is not a new proposal but rather a reaffirmation of existing commitments, yet the urgency has increased under Burnham's leadership. The consultations on the strategy ran from January to May, and the Department for Transport promised an update within three months of the consultations closing. With that deadline now passed, an announcement is expected imminently.
Mandatory testing for over-70s
Beyond the roadside checks, the government is also consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70. In addition, officials are developing options for cognitive testing for older drivers. These measures are designed to reduce deaths and injuries involving older drivers, but without unnecessarily restricting their mobility and personal freedom.
The strategy documents also highlight the importance of healthcare professionals notifying the DVLA if a patient is unwilling or unable to notify them of a condition that affects their driving ability. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that medical conditions are properly reported and managed.
Safe System approach
Heidi Alexander, who wrote the foreword to the strategy, emphasised the need for a systemic approach to road safety. "We must take action and reject the flawed idea that drivers alone bear responsibility. Human error is inevitable, but deaths and serious injury are not," she wrote.
"Addressing road safety needs a systemic solution, which is why the Safe System lies at the heart of our strategy. We need to address how we design our roads and vehicles, how we educate road users including testing drivers and riders, and the laws we make and enforce. When one pillar is not addressed either in part or in full, the other pillars should provide mitigation in parallel."
Impact on older drivers
The proposed changes have sparked debate, particularly among older drivers who fear their independence could be compromised. However, the government insists that the measures are proportionate and evidence-based. According to the Department for Transport, older drivers are not necessarily more dangerous, but age-related declines in vision and cognition can increase risk.
Currently, drivers over 70 are required to self-certify their fitness to drive every three years, but there is no mandatory vision test. The new proposals would change this, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of motorists across the country.
Next steps
With the consultation period closed, the Burnham government is expected to publish its response and detailed implementation plans. The update will likely outline the timeline for introducing the new testing requirements and how they will be enforced in practice.
For now, drivers of all ages are advised to ensure their eyesight meets the legal standard and to seek regular eye tests. The government's commitment to road safety is clear, but the practical implications for motorists will become clearer once the official update is released.
