The Andy Burnham government is considering a significant change for drivers with glaucoma or diabetes, as part of a broader consultation on road safety. Under the proposed new system, motorists over 70 could be required to undergo an eye test every three years when renewing their licence, with results potentially being reported to the DVLA for those with certain medical conditions.
Consultation on Mandatory Eye Tests
The Labour government has been consulting on the introduction of mandatory eyesight checks for drivers aged 70 and over, as part of its Road Safety Strategy consultation. The consultation was launched in January and closed in mid-May, and the government has now received feedback. An update is promised within three months of closure, meaning it is likely to be issued this month under Mr Burnham's premiership.
Currently, the legal obligation to notify the DVLA of a relevant medical condition lies with the driver. However, the consultation proposes making it a legal obligation for healthcare professionals to report patients to the DVLA when they are no longer fit to drive. This would affect drivers with conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes, which are already eligible for free NHS sight tests.
NHS Eye Tests and Reporting
As it stands, free NHS sight tests are available for adults aged 60 and over, as well as individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or those aged 40 and over with a close family history of glaucoma. Under the proposed new system, motorists using free NHS eye tests who have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma could have their results reported to the DVLA.
The government has also opened the door for mandatory eyesight checks to be introduced for motorists under the age of 70, stating: "Consideration could also be given to starting at a younger age (to be determined)." This suggests that the changes could eventually apply to a wider group of drivers.
Safety Concerns and Ageing Population
Lilian Greenwood MP, a key figure in the consultation, highlighted the safety rationale behind the changes. She said: "Eyesight deterioration is a common part of ageing due to natural changes in the eye’s structure and function, with eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration becoming more common in later years."
She added: "While this consultation is focused on the mandatory eyesight testing of drivers aged 70 and over, we also recognise that more will need to be done to address wider health conditions associated with an ageing population and the increase in older drivers predicted." This indicates that the government is considering broader measures to address the health and safety of an ageing driving population.
Impact on Drivers
If implemented, the changes would mean that drivers over 70 would need to pass an eye test every three years to renew their licence, potentially leading to more frequent assessments for those with conditions like glaucoma or diabetes. The proposal to make reporting mandatory for healthcare professionals could also shift the responsibility from the driver to medical practitioners, ensuring that those who are no longer fit to drive are identified more systematically.
The government has not yet confirmed the exact timeline for implementation, but the update promised within three months of the consultation closure is expected to provide more clarity. Drivers with glaucoma or diabetes, as well as those over 70, should monitor the announcement closely.
