The Labour government is set to introduce compulsory eyesight examinations for motorists aged 70 and over, marking a significant shift in UK road safety policy.
End of the Self-Declaration System
Under the forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, the current system where older drivers simply self-declare their fitness to drive to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will be scrapped. It will be replaced by a mandatory requirement for drivers over 70 to have their vision professionally assessed every three years.
The plans, expected to be unveiled officially on Wednesday, may also include provisions for cognitive assessments. The changes have been prompted by warnings from coroners that the existing arrangement is open to misuse and does not sufficiently guarantee safety.
Road Safety Experts Welcome the Move
Edmund King, the president of the AA, has voiced support for the proposed reforms. He highlighted the statistical increase in crash likelihood for drivers over 70, which rises markedly after 80 and peaks at age 86, with deteriorating eyesight being a common factor.
"A move to make eye tests for older drivers mandatory is obviously welcome," said Mr King. He also noted that eye tests are already free for people over 60 and are recommended every two years by healthcare professionals, as they can help diagnose other underlying conditions.
Balancing Safety with Independence
Lilian Greenwood, the Labour MP and local transport minister, emphasised the need to balance personal freedom with public safety. "We know driving can be very important for older people's wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads," she stated.
The government's strategy acknowledges the growing older population and aims to preserve personal freedoms while taking decisive action to save lives. The reforms are part of a broader road safety vision, with Mr King suggesting that elements of graduated driving licences, such as limiting same-age passengers for new drivers, are "a no-brainer" from a safety perspective.
These proposed changes signal a new era of enforced checks for older drivers, moving away from trust-based reporting to a verified system designed to protect all road users.
