New Mandatory Eyesight Rules Proposed for Drivers Over 70 in Safety Overhaul

New Mandatory Eyesight Rules Proposed for Drivers Over 70 in Safety Overhaul

Road safety experts have welcomed a government consultation that could introduce new mandatory eyesight rules for drivers aged over 70, citing current laws as inadequate for ensuring public safety.

The Labour Party government has initiated this consultation following concerns that existing regulations fail to adequately protect older drivers and other road users from risks associated with declining vision.

Current Eyesight Standards Deemed Insufficient

Under current UK law, all drivers must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres away, which roughly equates to 6/12 vision on the Snellen scale. This test measures visual acuity, or the ability to discern letters of decreasing size.

James Luckhurst, head of road safety at GEM Motoring Assist, stated: "We are encouraged that the government appears to accept that the current eyesight regulations are inadequate. Reform in this area would make a significant contribution to meeting the new national targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads."

For many older drivers, regular eyesight checks can be the critical factor between maintaining safe driving practices and inadvertently endangering themselves or others.

Understanding Vision Testing Methods

The Snellen test uses fractions to describe distance vision compared to average normal sight:

• 6/6 vision means you can see at 6 metres what someone with normal vision sees at 6 metres.
• 6/12 vision means you can see at 6 metres what someone with normal vision sees at 12 metres.

Another method, LogMAR, employs a standardized chart with equal letter spacing and five letters per line, providing a numeric score where 0.0 represents normal vision and higher numbers indicate worse vision.

While LogMAR offers greater accuracy for research and monitoring subtle changes, either test is acceptable for routine voluntary eye examinations for older drivers, provided an optometrist confirms compliance with driving standards.

Legal Obligations for Drivers with Eye Conditions

Drivers must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they have any eye condition affecting both eyes—or one eye if monocular vision is present—that could impair their ability to drive safely.

This consultation marks a potential shift toward stricter enforcement and regular assessments for the over-70 demographic, aligning with broader road safety initiatives aimed at curbing fatalities and serious injuries nationwide.