Drivers over 70 are set to face mandatory changes to their driving this autumn as tougher rules come into effect, marking a significant shift in UK road safety policy.
The new measures will require formal evidence of recent eye examinations at licence renewal, replacing the current self-certification system.
These changes follow warnings from Lancashire’s Senior Coroner, Dr James Adeley, whose Prevention of Future Deaths report highlighted multiple pedestrian fatalities where drivers’ inadequate eyesight contributed significantly to collisions.
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The reforms will mandate comprehensive sight tests every three years for drivers above 70, aligning with increased risks from age-related eye conditions.
Under the new rules, the DVLA will be given new powers to seize driving licences of motorists with poor eyesight
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As part of the changes, the DVLA will gain new powers to revoke licences from those failing to meet visual standards, with optometrists required to report drivers who pose safety risks.
Britain’s existing vision requirements for motorists depend entirely on drivers declaring their own fitness to drive and passing a basic number plate reading assessment.
Motorists must demonstrate they can read a registration plate from 20.5 metres, or 20 metres for narrower characters, while also maintaining visual acuity of at least 6/12 on the Snellen scale.
The UK remains among just five European nations still using number plate tests for visual assessment, with only three countries relying on self-reporting of vision-affecting conditions. This approach has drawn criticism from coroners who describe Britain’s regulations as Europe’s most permissive.
Under current rules, drivers interact with authorities only during initial licensing, renewals every decade, and three-yearly renewals after age 70, creating lengthy gaps where deteriorating eyesight goes undetected.
But recent data exposed the deadly consequences of inadequate vision checks, with six road deaths in 2023 directly attributed to drivers’ uncorrected or defective eyesight.
Over the previous decade, poor vision caused 62 fatalities and 2,648 casualties, though experts suggest actual figures are substantially higher due to reporting limitations.
Research from 2012 estimated that inadequate eyesight contributes to approximately 2,000 accidents annually across Britain, resulting in nearly 3,000 casualties.
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The coroner’s investigation revealed that two of the four pedestrian deaths examined could have been prevented through licence revocation, as the responsible drivers had repeatedly failed to inform authorities about their vision conditions during renewal processes.
A recent survey of 813 visually impaired individuals and their carers found 60 per cent support mandatory eye examinations at licence renewal.
Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express, stated: “It’s hard to argue with the logic behind compulsory eyesight checks for drivers over 70, given the stats.”
He cited a 47 per cent increase in serious collisions involving motorists over 60 since 2010, warning this “should be a wake-up call.”
Mr Barker’s investigation revealed how conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration can silently impair distance judgement, sign reading and headlight glare management before symptoms become apparent. He noted that night driving poses particular hazards for affected motorists.
Elderly drivers could face yearly eyesight checks under the new road proposals
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PARhydian Jones from Confused.com emphasised that “eyesight can change gradually without realising” for older drivers, affecting their ability to respond to hazards and assess distances.
The DVLA will implement a comprehensive enforcement framework requiring optometrists to directly report drivers who cannot meet the 6/12 Snellen standard or have notifiable eye conditions.
Healthcare professionals will receive new guidance on disclosure procedures when patients refuse to self-report vision deficiencies or continue driving against medical advice.
Drivers failing vision assessments face immediate licence suspension pending further evaluation at approved centres, including mandatory Esterman field testing.
Between renewals, motorists must notify authorities of any vision changes affecting both eyes or their remaining eye if monocular.
Non-compliance with reporting requirements or continuing to drive while knowingly below standards will result in automatic licence revocation and potential prosecution.