Overview
- The Department for Transport is analysing responses to a closed consultation on compulsory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70+, with no final policy decided yet.
- DfT data published by ministers shows collisions recorded with 'uncorrected or defective eyesight' rose from 195 to 274 in the latest year, a roughly 40% increase.
- Officials say a range of measures are under consideration beyond eye tests, including periodic cognitive or medical assessments and stronger duties for clinicians to report unfit drivers to the DVLA.
- The DVLA already investigates and can revoke licences when told of medical or vision problems, and a local investigation reported more than 10,000 licence revocations or refused renewals linked to eyesight since the start of last year.
- Any change would affect a growing cohort of more than 6.3 million licence holders aged 70+, raising practical questions about how checks would be delivered and how to balance road safety with older people's mobility.