Age UK responds to possible eye tests for motorists over 70

Yesterday, the Government announced it is considering introducing compulsory eye tests for motorists aged over 70 as part of a major new road safety strategy, expected to be published this autumn. The proposed measures form part of what ministers describe as the most significant shake-up of UK driving laws in almost two decades.

Under current rules, all drivers over the age of 70 must renew their driving licence and update their photograph every three years. At the time of renewal, any relevant eyesight problems must be reported to the DVLA – although conditions such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or colour blindness are excluded from these requirements.

Additionally, everyone over the age of 60 is entitled to a free NHS eye examination every two years.

The new proposals could see drivers over 70 required to pass a compulsory eye test to keep their licence, with those failing potentially being banned from driving. Other expected measures in the forthcoming road safety strategy include:

• A possible reduction in the legal drink-drive limit.
• Penalty points for drivers whose passengers fail to wear a seatbelt.
• Tougher penalties for uninsured drivers.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

"It is certainly good for our eye health as we age to have a regular eye test – every two years, the NHS advises – but this doesn't automatically mean that a compulsory eye test at age 70 is appropriate. People can develop eye problems at any age, so why confine such an approach only to those aged 70 and not to younger drivers too? A regular eye test for drivers of all ages may be a better idea, one less open to the accusation of ageism – but we would need to see all the evidence to form a final view.”

Dan Skipper, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Norwich, added:

"Anything to reduce serious injury or fatalities is a positive, but the issue of sight and eye tests is not related to the age of the driver, and if a serious factor to road accidents – then all drivers should be in scope. With today’s technology, sight and/or hearing test records could easily be linked to any licence application – in a similar way to MOT and insurance checks.

Younger drivers still have more accidents, and evidence shows a growing use of mobile phone use while driving and accidents. Where there is a collision with an older driver, it is often reported in the media, with ageist undertones, that old age was a factor – when statistically, it was more likely to be the younger driver. Irrespective of someone’s age, road safety needs to be the priority."

Age UK Norwich is committed to promoting safety, wellbeing, and independence for older people in the city. The charity offers information and advice on health, vision care, and local services that help older people maintain mobility and confidence on the road.