The UK government has issued an update on plans to introduce compulsory eye tests for drivers aged over 70, following a sharp rise in collisions linked to poor eyesight. New figures reveal a 40% increase in road traffic collisions in Great Britain where the contributing factor was recorded as 'driver or rider had uncorrected or defective eyesight' in the latest 12-month period.
Consultation on Mandatory Eye Tests
The government recently concluded a public consultation on proposals to make eye tests mandatory every three years for all drivers over 70. Under the plans, licences could be revoked in certain circumstances if vision standards are not met. The consultation ran from 7 January to 11 May, and the Department for Transport is now analyzing responses.
In a parliamentary written question, Independent MP James McMurdock asked the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander about the potential merits of periodic eyesight checks for older drivers. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Lillian Greenwood responded, noting that existing rules require drivers to notify the DVLA if their eyesight deteriorates, but officials are actively considering making this compulsory.
Current Legal Responsibilities
Greenwood stated: "All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if at any time they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. The DVLA will investigate those drivers who notify them of a medical condition and will only issue a driving licence to them if they can meet the appropriate medical standards." She added that the government response to the consultation will be published once analysis is complete.
Collision Data
McMurdock also requested data on collisions where eyesight was a factor. The figures provided by Greenwood show a worrying trend:
- 2020: 165 collisions
- 2021: 164 collisions
- 2022: 176 collisions
- 2023: 195 collisions
- 2024: 274 collisions
This represents a 40% increase from 2023 to 2024, and a 66% rise since 2020.
Proposals for Older Drivers
The consultation document notes that eyesight deterioration is a common part of ageing, with conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration becoming more frequent. Proposals under consideration include compulsory eyesight tests or cognitive assessments at licence renewal, medical evaluations, expanding the role of healthcare professionals, and making it a statutory requirement for healthcare professionals to notify the DVLA when patients are no longer fit to drive.
Officials highlight that there are over 6.3 million full car and motorcycle driving licence holders aged 70 and over in Great Britain, and this number is expected to rise. While younger drivers (17-24) are involved in a high proportion of collisions, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured per licence held due to frailty. In 2024, around 24% of all car drivers killed were aged 70 or older.
Future Measures
Greenwood emphasized that the government recognizes the need to address challenges posed by an ageing population. Consideration will be given to other fitness-to-drive measures, such as cognitive assessments, in the future. Optometrists consulted as part of the research argued that regular sight checks should be made compulsory for all licence holders.
The government will publish its response to the consultation once all responses have been carefully considered. No decisions have been made yet, but the trend in collision data underscores the urgency of addressing vision-related road safety issues.
