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Public Backs Eye Tests for Older Drivers as Government Reviews Licence Rules

New polling points to overwhelming support for compulsory vision checks at over‑70 renewals under the current self‑declaration system.

Overview

  • An IAM RoadSmart/OnePoll survey found 46% of Britons have asked an older relative to stop driving, with about a third feeling unsafe as passengers.
  • Support for stricter checks is high, with 85% backing compulsory eye tests for over‑70s at each three‑year licence renewal.
  • The Department for Transport says renewal rules are under active review for a forthcoming road safety strategy, and the Transport Secretary is open to considering mandatory vision checks.
  • UK rules require drivers to renew from age 70 every three years based on self‑declared fitness, and motorists must inform the DVLA of any medical condition affecting driving.
  • IAM RoadSmart urges pairing tougher eyesight requirements with funding for voluntary mature‑driver courses, citing DfT data showing 252 injuries in 2023 where poor eyesight was recorded.