A significant majority of British motorists have expressed support for introducing compulsory vision testing for elderly drivers, according to new research that highlights growing concerns about age-related road safety.
Strong Public Backing for Regular Checks
The comprehensive survey, conducted between 13th and 15th January, questioned 714 drivers across the UK and found that 72 per cent support plans to require mandatory eyesight tests for motorists aged 70 and over. Even more striking, three in five drivers specifically back the proposal for vision checks to be conducted every three years for this age group.
When examining the strength of support, the research revealed that 44 per cent of respondents strongly supported compulsory vision testing for older motorists, indicating particularly passionate backing for this road safety measure.
Expert Perspectives on Age-Related Risks
Steve Walker, Head of Digital Content at Auto Express, emphasised the importance of targeted testing: "There's no question that good eyesight is fundamental to safe driving, and Auto Express has long encouraged motorists of all ages to have regular eye tests."
"However, the evidence shows that eyesight can deteriorate more quickly with age, and older drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious accidents, which is why targeted, mandatory checks for over-70s make sense from a road safety perspective," Walker added.
The expert cautioned against broader approaches, noting: "Introducing compulsory checks every 10 years for all drivers risks being overly bureaucratic when the evidence shows eyesight deterioration is far more likely later in life."
Current System and Statistical Evidence
Government figures provide sobering context for the debate, revealing that nearly one in four car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older. This statistic underscores the potential safety implications of age-related vision deterioration.
Under current UK regulations, drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, as stipulated by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). However, drivers of any age are not required to prove their skills or health once they obtain their licence, creating what many consider a significant gap in road safety measures.
The existing system relies on self-reporting, with drivers required to inform the DVLA if they become unfit to drive. This approach has drawn criticism for potentially allowing unsafe drivers to remain on the roads.
Alternative Views and Wider Considerations
Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organisation, offered a different perspective: "Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions."
"In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years," King added, suggesting that regular voluntary testing might be preferable to mandatory requirements.
Beyond the immediate road safety concerns, experts have highlighted the broader social implications of restricting elderly drivers' mobility. Professor Andrew Steptoe, director of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, emphasised the need for protective measures: "If more older people are unable to drive, efforts need to be made to offset any reductions in social contact and to maintain active engagement with friends, family and the community."
This consideration adds complexity to the debate, suggesting that any policy changes affecting elderly drivers' mobility must be accompanied by support systems to prevent social isolation among this demographic.
