The government led by Andy Burnham is exploring a significant change to driving licence rules that could require motorists aged over 85 to undergo more frequent eyesight tests. The proposal is part of the national Road Safety Strategy, which is currently consulting on mandatory eyesight checks for all drivers over the age of 70.
Consultation on eyesight testing for older drivers
The consultation, which closed in mid-May, seeks views on introducing compulsory eyesight tests for drivers over 70. It also considers developing cognitive testing options for older drivers. The government has promised an update within three months of the consultation ending, meaning a decision could be announced by mid-August. As the leader of the Labour government and MP for Makerfield, Burnham will have the final say on any changes.
The government’s proposal outlines several potential approaches: conducting 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 such as 75, 80, and 85. The consultation document 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."
How the tests could be administered
The consultation also considers how such tests might be delivered. Options include having tests administered by opticians, the NHS, or bespoke test centres. The government notes: "Considerations include having tests administered by opticians, the NHS or through bespoke test centres for driving eyesight tests." Drivers would be required to provide evidence of the test outcome within a set timeframe at each licence renewal, either from the licence holder, the person conducting the test, or both.
To improve scalability, the government suggests that tests could be delivered by trained personnel outside clinical settings, including non-healthcare professionals. This approach could reduce costs and dependency on specialist availability, making the process more accessible for older drivers.
Reaction from road safety experts
The announcement has been welcomed by road safety campaigners. Ruth Purdie OBE, chief executive of The Road Safety Trust, said: "The publication of a national road safety strategy is an important and welcome step, and one that many across the sector have been calling for over a long period of time." She added: "After years without a clear national framework, it is encouraging to see renewed leadership, ambition and long-term thinking being applied to road safety once again."
Purdie emphasised the significance of reintroducing casualty reduction targets and adopting a Safe System approach, saying these signal "a serious intention to reverse a decade of stalled progress and re-focus efforts on what is proven to save lives and reduce serious injury." She confirmed that The Road Safety Trust will consider the strategy’s content in detail and work constructively with the government and partners to respond to consultations, aiming to ensure that the renewed focus translates into "real, measurable improvements for people and communities across the UK."
Impact on older drivers
If implemented, the changes could affect hundreds of thousands of drivers. Currently, drivers over 70 must renew their licence every three years and self-declare fitness to drive, but no mandatory eyesight test is required. The new rules would introduce a formal check, potentially increasing the frequency with age.
The government is also exploring cognitive testing for older drivers, which could assess mental fitness behind the wheel. While details remain under consultation, the strategy signals a move towards more robust assessment of older drivers’ capabilities.
Burnham’s government has yet to make a final decision, but the consultation’s conclusion and the promised update suggest that changes could be announced soon. Drivers over 85, in particular, may face stricter requirements if the higher-age threshold option is adopted.
