Drivers born before 1955 may be required to undergo a mandatory eye test when renewing their licence in 2025, following recommendations from the Association of Optometrists (AOP). The AOP has proposed that motorists aged 70 and over should have their eyes tested every three years, targeting those born before 1955.
In a statement released before Christmas, the AOP called for drivers to be legally required to have their vision checked when first applying for a licence and at each renewal. Licence renewals occur every 10 years for most drivers, but every three years for those aged 70 and over.
The AOP has raised concerns that 56% of opticians report having at least one patient who continues to drive despite having poor vision, a sharp increase from two in five in 2019. Furthermore, half of these professionals said they have more than one patient who insists on driving even though their eyesight falls below the legal standard.
These findings come as police forces across the country launched 'Operation Dark Night', a national road safety campaign that included roadside eye checks. The initiative, supported by the National Police Chiefs' Council, offered advice on maintaining clear vision under different lighting conditions.
Drivers over 70 have also been warned of new driving rules coming into effect this year that will affect them.
