Motorists aged over 70 could be required to pass four tests to retain their driving licence and stay on the road, as part of a major safety overhaul being considered by the Department for Transport (DfT).
The DfT has been consulting on plans to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. In its consultation, the department identified four checks that a compulsory exam could cover if introduced.
What the four tests would involve
Experts at BigWantsYourCar explained that the first element would be a visual acuity test, which measures how clearly a person can see objects at a distance. This is commonly assessed using a letter chart and can be completed while wearing glasses or contact lenses if required.
Drivers could also be asked to complete a visual field assessment, designed to measure peripheral vision and identify any blind spots which may affect road safety. A third element could involve screening for eye conditions known to affect driving ability, including glaucoma and other age-related visual impairments.
Finally, motorists may need to demonstrate they meet the legal minimum eyesight requirements for driving in the UK, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away in good daylight conditions.
Consultation responses and next steps
Stakeholders have already submitted their evidence and opinions to the DfT, with the consultation coming to a close back in May. The College of Optometrists is among those to publish its response, with the group agreeing that a range of checks would be needed.
Meanwhile, the General Optical Council explained that typical sight tests by optometrists include a range of checks such as eye muscle and alignment tests and ocular health assessments such as visual field checks and retinal scans.
The DfT has promised to publish a summary of responses and its official response. The department previously said its primary objective is to reduce road deaths and injuries of older drivers and other road users who could be involved in collisions with them, while preserving their independence, mobility and social connectivity. It added that ensuring older drivers continue to meet the required vision standards for safe driving could have a positive impact on road safety.
