The government, under the leadership of Andy Burnham, is evaluating proposals to implement mandatory eyesight tests every three years for ageing drivers. These plans, initially put forward by the Labour Party earlier this year as part of its Road Safety Strategy, aim to enhance road safety by ensuring older drivers meet necessary vision standards.
Following a public consultation that closed in May, officials are currently reviewing feedback from respondents. The decisions will now be overseen by Mr Burnham, who recently succeeded Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.
According to the government, possible measures under consideration include conducting eyesight tests every three years for drivers over the age of 70, aligning with existing licence renewal protocols. There is also the prospect of increasing the frequency of tests as drivers reach higher ages, specifically at 75, 80 and 85, reflecting concerns over accelerated visual decline associated with ageing.
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“The prevalence of eye conditions and the rate of visual decline can accelerate as people get older,” the government explained. “Consideration will be given to aligning the timing of eyesight tests with licence renewal periods.”
Introducing mandatory vision assessments would bring the UK in closer alignment with many European Union countries, where such requirements are common. Across Europe, driving licence applicants typically undertake vision tests either upon initial application or during renewal, conducted by optometrists, ophthalmologists, or general practitioners depending on national regulations.
For instance, in Spain, drivers aged 70 and over must renew their licences more frequently and undergo medical and vision examinations every two years. Italy requires drivers over 70 to renew licences every three years, accompanied by a medical certificate including a vision test. Denmark mandates medical certificates with eye tests at ages 70, 75 and every two years thereafter.
The Department for Transport emphasised the importance of vision in ensuring safe driving, stating: “Vision is a critical component of safe driving and ensuring that older drivers can meet the minimum standards required for driving directly addresses a key factor in road safety.”
The consultation is exploring whether to move away from the current system, which relies on self-declaration of eyesight standards by drivers aged 70 and over, towards introducing mandatory eyesight tests as part of the driving licence renewal process for older drivers.