Older motorists could soon face new restrictions as Labour considers fresh measures in a bid to improve road safety across the country.
Alongside the introduction of the Road Safety Strategy in January, the Government launched several consultations to hear the opinions of drivers and organisations on key motoring issues.
One of the measures included potentially moving away from the current system of motorists self-declaring any medical issues that could impact their eyesight.
At present, drivers over the age of 70 are expected to report if they have any medical conditions that impact their ability to be behind the wheel.
The consultation proposes introducing mandatory eyesight tests for older motorists when they renew their licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for younger drivers.
When renewing, drivers must make a legal declaration that they meet minimum standards to operate a vehicle and confirm whether they have medical conditions that could impact their ability.
Motorists must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away as part of the minimum eyesight standards, which is about the same length as five parked vehicles.
They must also have a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale, which can be done with contact lenses or glasses.
Labour could soon launch new eyesight driving laws for elderly motorists
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The Road Safety Strategy, which is the first national framework for more than a decade, emphasised the dangers of motorists with poor eyesight.
Data from the Department for Transport shows that there were 1,224 killed or seriously injured older car driver casualties in 2024 – a seven per cent increase compared to 2014.
There are more than 6.3 million full car and motorcycle licence holders aged 70 and over in Great Britain, with around two million drivers renewing every year.
Labour stated that the primary objective of the new proposals was to “reduce road deaths and injuries of older drivers (and other road users who could be involved in collisions with older drivers) while preserving their independence, mobility and social connectivity”.
All Britons are encouraged to have an eye test every two years, or sooner if they have vision issues
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PAIt suggested that there could be a “positive impact” on road safety if older people are required to meet new vision standards to carry on behind the wheel.
The consultation states that the Government could use the existing free NHS eyesight test, or require drivers to pay for the test.
Consideration could also be given to costs being split between the Government and the licence holder, although this will be assessed following the conclusion of the consultation.
Drivers have until 11.59 today (Monday, May 11) to give their feedback to the consultation, with Labour expected to move at pace with any potential law changes after reviewing the evidence.
Drivers over the age of 70 could also face ‘cognitive assessments’ soon | GETTY
Labour stated that mandatory eyesight tests, medical assessments, and greater involvement of healthcare professionals could all be included in measures to reduce road risks.
It even suggests that healthcare professionals could face a legal obligation to report their patients to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when they are no longer fit to drive.
Feedback from the consultation could also help to develop options for cognitive testing for drivers over the age of 70.
Other consultations launched as part of the Road Safety Strategy include slashing the drink-driving limit, introducing a minimum learning period for young motorists and tougher fines for motoring offences.