The Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated that drivers aged 70 and over could face further measures beyond the proposed mandatory eyesight checks, with cognitive assessments among the options under consideration.
Consultation on eyesight testing
A consultation on mandatory eyesight testing for over-70s closed in May. In the ministerial foreword, Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport, wrote: “While this consultation is focused on the mandatory eyesight testing of drivers aged 70 and over, we also recognise that more will need to be done to address wider health conditions associated with an ageing population and the increase in older drivers predicted.”
She added: “Consideration will be given in the future to other fitness to drive measures, such as cognitive assessments.”
Road Safety Strategy
Labour’s Road Safety Strategy report stated that the party would look to develop options for cognitive testing for older drivers. The report said the tests and mandatory vision checks would improve safety outcomes for older motorists and other road users, aiming to reduce deaths and injuries without unnecessarily restricting mobility and personal freedom.
Rising numbers of older drivers
DVLA data shows the number of older drivers has risen sharply. In November 2012, 3.9 million over-70s held licences; by September 2024, that figure had climbed to 6.2 million. The number of elderly drivers killed or seriously injured increased from 1,144 in 2012 to 1,224 in 2024.
The DfT report said: “As the population in Great Britain (GB) ages, the proportion of older drivers on the road continues to increase. While driving provides older people with independence and mobility, it also presents challenges to road safety when faced with issues that form part of the natural ageing process, such as cognitive decline, deteriorating vision and increased frailty.”
