New proposals are calling for significant changes to driving licence renewals for older motorists, potentially introducing mandatory eyesight testing for everyone over the age of 70.
Under new road safety plans being discussed by safety campaigners and industry experts, the current system of "self-declaration" could be scrapped. Instead, drivers aged 70 and above may be required to prove their vision meets the legal standard every three years to keep their licence.
The end of self-declaration?
Currently, when a UK driver turns 70, their driving licence expires. To renew it, they must declare to the DVLA that they are fit to drive and that their eyesight meets the minimum legal requirement. This renewal process must be repeated every three years.
However, critics argue that the self-declaration system is flawed, as many drivers may unintentionally misjudge their own eyesight or fail to notice a gradual decline in vision. The new proposals aim to replace this with a formal requirement for an eyesight test conducted by an optometrist or medical professional as part of the renewal application.
Why the change is being proposed
Road safety charities have long campaigned for stricter medical checks for older drivers. The primary goal is to reduce accidents caused by poor vision, which can be a significant factor in road collisions.
- Standardisation: Ensuring all drivers over 70 meet a verified medical standard rather than relying on personal judgment.
- Safety: Reducing the number of drivers on the road with uncorrected vision defects.
- Health Checks: Regular eye tests can also detect early signs of other health conditions, such as diabetes or glaucoma.
What the experts say
The push for mandatory testing has received support from various road safety organizations. They argue that while age itself is not a barrier to driving, the physical changes associated with aging—particularly regarding sight and reaction times—must be monitored more rigorously.
Conversely, groups representing older citizens have raised concerns that additional bureaucratic hurdles or costs could unfairly penalize older drivers who rely on their vehicles for independence and mobility, particularly in rural areas with limited public transport.
Current eyesight standards
Regardless of the new proposals, the current law requires all motorists to be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away. You must also have an adequate field of vision.
Drivers are already legally obliged to inform the DVLA of any medical condition or disability that could affect their driving, including visual impairments that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses.
What happens next?
These proposals are currently part of broader discussions on road safety strategies for the next decade. While no law has changed yet, motorists over 70 are advised to voluntarily get their eyes tested regularly—at least every two years—to ensure they remain safe and legal on the roads.