The UK government, led by Andy Burnham, has categorically ruled out making drivers over 70 retake their driving tests, following a wave of viral Facebook posts that misrepresented the former administration's Road Safety Strategy. The posts, which urged users to comment on the idea of mandatory re-tests for older motorists, have been dismissed as "categorically false" by a Department for Transport spokesperson speaking to Reuters.
What the Road Safety Strategy Actually Proposes
The confusion stems from the Road Safety Strategy, launched in January, which suggested that mandatory eyesight checks could be introduced for drivers over 70 when they renew their licences. This is not the same as retaking the full driving test, but social media users have conflated the two proposals.
One Facebook user asked: "How about the younger drivers who, in the main, drive with appalling observation of the Highway Code or consideration for other road users?" Another defended older drivers, saying: "That would cut down massive accident costs and lower insurance costs too. Older folk have proved their reliability on the road some with 50-60 years of driving experience behind them and some even longer."
Public Reaction and Government Response
A third user expressed anger, writing: "I’ve just written to my MP about Burnham’s plans for over 70s to take a driving test every 3 years. I am totally incensed about it on so many levels." However, the government insists these fears are unfounded.
Instead, the government is consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight checks for over-70s when they renew their licences, which typically happens every three years. It is also exploring whether cognitive testing would be worthwhile, after a coroner warned earlier this year that the growing number of ageing motorists could be contributing to fatality statistics.
Minister Confirms Consultation on Eyesight Checks
Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, previously stated: "This consultation is seeking views on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. 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."
The government has not proposed mandatory re-tests for drivers over 70, and the consultation on eyesight checks remains open, with no final decision yet made on implementation.
