New road safety proposals targeting older motorists could make eye tests compulsory for drivers over 70, with those failing to meet standards potentially losing their licence. The plan, part of Andy Burnham's road safety strategy, comes as a survey reveals millions of UK drivers are driving with uncorrected vision problems.
Survey reveals widespread vision neglect
According to MoneySuperMarket, nearly 11 million (26%) UK drivers are overdue for an eye test or haven't had one in the last two years, while one in seven (5.5 million) have never had an eye test at all. Additionally, 7.6 million (nearly one-in-five) admit to driving without required glasses or contact lenses, despite 67% (28.2 million) being aware of the insurance implications.
Current law under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 states that driving with inadequate eyesight is an offence. Motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (about five parked cars) and should have an eye test every two years to ensure they meet legal standards.
Fines and penalty points
Driving without prescribed corrective lenses can result in a £1,000 fine and three penalty points. Alicia Hempstead, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, warned: "Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 says that if a driver has a visual impairment, they must not get behind the wheel without the proper means to see clearly."
She added: "Not only are there legal ramifications to not wearing glasses or contact lenses behind the wheel, but there are also financial ones too should you get into an accident, as your car insurance could be invalidated if you do not meet the standards of vision."
Public support for mandatory tests
YouGov research shows that 37 million UK drivers (88%) support mandatory eye tests for older motorists. Hempstead emphasised the importance of regular checks: "People's vision can change over time, sometimes without them realising. That's why it's important to have an eye test every two years to make sure you still meet the legal standard for driving safely and confidently."
