Drivers over 70 have been warned of new compulsory eyesight tests coming into effect in order to keep their driving licences on UK roads.
The measure announced today forms part of a wider Road Safety Strategy and is being described by supporters as a "simple change" to the law that could affect millions of older drivers.
Under the plans, drivers over 70 would have to show proof of a recent eye test every three years when renewing their licence.
This marks a sharp change from the current rules, where older drivers are trusted to self-report any vision problems, with no routine checks.
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The plan has been welcomed by major eye care organisations, with the Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists explaining how the current system is outdated and unsafe.
Dr Peter Hampson, clinical and policy director at the AOP, said: "Drivers may not realise that their vision has gradually dropped below the legal standard for driving.
"This simple change to the law would bring the UK into line with much of Europe and deliver a fair and consistent system where eyesight is checked by qualified professionals."
"This is a vital step forward in modernising road safety and preventing avoidable vision-related tragedies."
The Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists have backed the new eyesight requirements
|GETTY
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said the proposals were "simple and practical.
"As we get older, eye conditions become more common, and vision naturally changes. Regular testing would allow problems to be picked up earlier."
Eye tests would be free for most drivers, as the NHS already funds eye examinations for anyone aged 60 and over.
According to recent data, polling showed strong public support for the change, with a survey of 2,000 adults by the optometrists' groups finding three out of four drivers supported compulsory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and above at licence renewal.
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Elderly drivers are now required to undertake eyesight checks every three years when they turn 70
| GETTYA further 71 per cent were found to show support for requiring an eye test when first applying for a driving licence.
Support did drop among younger drivers, with 51 per cent of motorists over 40 and 59 per cent of drivers over 50 showing support for testing.
Mr Hardiman-McCartney said: "A more robust implementation of the UK's current vision standards for driving would have a considerable effect on reducing avoidable collisions and making the roads safer for everyone."
n April 2025, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths notice after an inquest into four fatalities linked to poor eyesight.
Dr Adeley said the current system, which relies on drivers declaring their own vision problems, is "ineffective and unsafe".
Drivers must be able to read a registration plate from 20 metres away to travel on UK roads
| MERSEYSIDE POLICEProfessional bodies have campaigned for years to update eyesight law, highlighting the human cost of outdated rules.
Commenting on the new changes, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.
"We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.
"The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade."