The UK government has provided an update on proposals for mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over, following a 40% increase in collisions linked to defective eyesight. The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently analyzing responses from a public consultation that ended on May 11.
Rise in Vision-Related Collisions
New data reveals that in the latest 12-month period, there were 274 collisions in Great Britain where the contributing factor was 'driver or rider had uncorrected or defective eyesight,' a 40% increase from previous years. The figures show a steady rise from 165 collisions in 2020 to 274 in 2024.
Consultation on Mandatory Tests
The consultation, launched on January 7, proposes making eye examinations compulsory every three years for drivers over 70, with potential licence revocation if standards are not met. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Lillian Greenwood stated that existing regulations require drivers to notify the DVLA if their vision deteriorates, but officials are examining whether to make this mandatory.
Greenwood said: "All drivers have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA if they develop a medical condition affecting their ability to drive. The DVLA investigates and issues licences only if medical standards are met. The government response will be published once consultation analysis is complete."
Future Measures
The consultation also considers cognitive assessments and other fitness-to-drive measures. Currently, there are over 6.3 million full driving licence holders aged 70 and above in Great Britain, a number expected to rise. Older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured per licence held due to frailty, with 24% of car driver fatalities in 2024 being aged 70 or older.
Options under consideration include compulsory sight tests at licence renewal, medical assessments, expanding healthcare professionals' roles, or requiring doctors to notify the DVLA when patients are unfit to drive. Optometrists have suggested regular sight tests should be compulsory for all licence holders.
