Andy Burnham could oversee major new rule changes that will affect drivers over the age of 70, with pensioners likely to be furious. Labour’s Road Safety Strategy, published earlier this year, pledged to consult on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers above the age of 70. This has been widely discussed, and pensioners are probably well aware that the Department for Transport (DfT) is looking into the concept.
Cognitive testing for older drivers
However, pensioners may not be aware that Labour also pledged to look into options for “cognitive testing for older drivers”. The report went further, claiming that “cognitive function and increased frailty” could pose a risk to all road users.
The DfT consultation on eyesight testing changes held over the spring also claimed that “consideration will be given” to other fitness to drive measures, which included the introduction of cognitive assessments. However, specific details on what officials mean by “cognitive checks” is still unclear.
Questions remain unanswered
Over-70s are likely to be red hot with rage at just how little has been revealed. Still, it doesn’t take a genius to work out what it could lead to.
Completely speculating now, at a very minimum, that is likely to mean some form of reaction time test. But where will it end? Could older road users be assessed on their problem-solving or decision-making capabilities, too, quite possibly?
The bigger question is how will all of this work? That’s also still something that hasn’t been confirmed or even discussed at this stage. Will it get to the point that pensioners will be sitting exam papers like students? Grandparents eagerly await the nod as to whether they can indeed retain their licence and stay on the road?
Uncertainty for older drivers
Will this be for every driver after 70? Or only those with pre-existing cognitive conditions? If it's the latter, how will officials be able to filter out who is fine and who is lying? Road users hiding their true condition is one of the biggest reasons why eyesight checks could soon become mandatory.
Simply saying that “consideration will be given” to cognitive checks is leaving everyone with more questions than answers. It’s dropping a bombshell and walking out of the room.
Mandatory eyesight testing is clearly the priority, which is why we’ve heard more, although no changes have been confirmed despite the consultation ending in May.
For now, older drivers are safe; the Government would be required to publish a detailed consultation paper outlining the exact rules around cognitive checks before anything is finalised. Maybe then we will know more? In the meantime, pensioners face an anxious wait.
