The UK Government has laid out detailed plans for a significant shake-up of driving regulations, aimed at tackling persistent hazards and improving safety for all road users. Transport ministers faced questions in the House of Commons this week regarding the proposed new Road Safety Strategy, which includes potential legal changes affecting learner drivers, older motorists, and drink-drive limits.
Eyesight Tests and Cognitive Checks for Older Drivers
One of the most notable proposals is the introduction of compulsory eyesight and cognitive tests for drivers aged over 70. Currently, the law only requires drivers to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, but there is no mandatory requirement to prove this after the initial driving test.
This point was emphasised by Leicester South MP and practising optometrist, Shockat Adam. He highlighted that the UK is an outlier in Europe for not requiring regular sight tests, meaning someone could pass their test at 17 and not have another official check for over 50 years. He argued for sight tests every time a licence is renewed, which is typically every decade.
Responding for the Government, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated, "No one should be driving on our roads whose eyesight does not meet the required standard." While the consultation focuses on those over 70, she advised all drivers to have regular eye tests.
Action on Dangerous Headlight Glare
The issue of blinding headlight glare, a growing concern for many drivers, was also raised in Parliament. Shockat Adam cited RAC figures indicating that glare is a factor in around 280 crashes every year.
Minister Greenwood acknowledged the problem, saying, "I know that this is a growing problem, and I certainly recognise it as a driver myself." She confirmed the Government has undertaken research and will consider its findings, look at international vehicle standards, and take further action to address the hazard.
Stricter Rules for Learners and Lower Alcohol Limits
The proposed Road Safety Strategy contains several other key measures designed to reduce accidents. For learner drivers, the government is proposing to enforce a mandatory learning period of three to six months between passing the theory test and taking the practical driving test.
In a major change to drink-driving laws, the alcohol limit for learner and newly qualified drivers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland would be slashed from 80mg to just 20mg per 100ml of blood. For all other drivers, the limit would be reduced to around 50mg, bringing it in line with the current limit in Scotland.
These proposals, now under consultation, represent the most comprehensive attempt in years to modernise UK driving laws and directly tackle some of the most cited factors in road collisions. The government's focus on evidence-based changes, from headlight glare research to graduated licensing, signals a determined effort to enhance safety across the nation's road network.
