Mandatory eye tests for older drivers?

People aged over 70 could face driving bans for failing compulsory eye tests, according to reports on the BBC, Sky News and the Guardian.

The BBC explains that the government is expected to launch a new road safety strategy in the autumn, with ministers believing the current safety messaging is not working. The planned changes come following the latest statistics:

• 1,633 people died in road traffic accidents in 2024, with nearly 28,000 victims seriously injured.

The BBC quoted a source as saying: “In no other circumstance would we accept 1,600 people dying, with thousands more seriously injured, costing the NHS more than £2bn per year. This Labour government will deliver the first Road Safety Strategy in a decade, imposing tougher penalties on those breaking the law, protecting road users and restoring order to our roads”.

Which other new driving law changes are coming?

In addition to compulsory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70, the report states there will be stricter rules for drink driving - bringing the rest of the UK in line with Scotland where the current limit is 22 micrograms of alcohol per 110 millilitres of breath.

There are also plans to bring in tests for conditions like dementia and roadside saliva tests for evidence of drug driving (instead of the current blood tests), making it easier for police to prosecute suspects. Alex Davies-Jones, the Justice minister claims these will be the biggest changes to UK driving laws in decades, but confirmed all proposed changes are part of a consultation process.

The Sky News report also claims anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt could face penalty points, and any driver without insurance could face “more severe consequences” than the current fixed penalty of £300 and six penalty points on their licence.

What are the current rules for drivers over 70?

Current rules state that everyone aged over 70 must renew their driving licence, and update their photograph, every three years. When renewing, these drivers are expected to tell the DVLA if they have any problem with their eyesight.

However, this does not include any reference to being short-sighted, long-sighted or colour blind.

How often should you get an eye test?

Opticians including Specsavers and Vision Express recommend having an eye test every two years. If you're concerned about your eyesight or an ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist makes a recommendation, you can have a test more often.

A recent Tempcover survey [1] found:

• 17% of UK adults are overdue an eye test (i.e. it's been over two years since their last one)
• Nearly 1 in 10 over 65s are either overdue an eye test or have never had one
• 5% have never had an eye test

The main reasons given for not attending eye tests were:

• People felt their eyesight was fine
• The cost of the test

The driving eyesight rules state 'You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet 'the standards of vision for driving'. If you don't, you could face a fine of £1,000 and three points on your licence.

What are the 'standards of vision for driving'?

You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test.

Lorry and bus drivers

You must have a visual acuity at least 0.8 (6/7.5) measured on the Snellen scale in your best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) on the Snellen scale in the other eye.

You can reach this standard using glasses with a corrective power not more than (+) 8 dioptres, or with contact lenses. There’s no specific limit for the corrective power of contact lenses.

You must have an uninterrupted horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees with an extension of at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.

Don't forget you're entitled to a free NHS sight test or an optical voucher to reduce the cost of eyewear if you:

• Are under 16
• Are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home)
• Are 60 or over
• Are registered as partially sighted or blind
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
• Are 40 or over and your mother, father, sibling or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma
• Have been advised by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) that you're at risk of glaucoma
• Are a prisoner on leave from prison
• Are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher – your optician can advise you about your entitlement
• Are entitled to or named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2)

You're also entitled if you or your partner – including civil partner – receive, or you're under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:

• Income Support
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Universal Credit and meet the criteria

Find out more about free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers on the NHS website.

What has been the reaction to the planned changes for older drivers?

Edmund King, president of AA, quoted statistics to the BBC from road safety charity Brake that state “one in five young drivers crash in their first year” and over “1,500 young drivers are killed or seriously injured each year”, while claiming drivers over the age of 70 are “still relatively safe” and that bringing in compulsory eye tests were “a small price to pay” for road safety.

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at the charity IAM RoadSmart told AutoExpress: “While many drivers over the age of 70 are safe and competent, health issues and confidence can have an impact on driving abilities, so it is sensible to review whether changes need to be made.”

With Tempcover offering temporary car insurance for drivers aged 17 to 78 years of age, it’s never been more important to ensure you’re covered while on your travels. Get a quote today to get on your way.

Sources

[1] This online survey of 2,000 UK adults was commissioned by RVU on behalf of Tempcover and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 12 and 15 August 2025. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yllgezjk3o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8jpp3jwe32o

https://news.sky.com/story/over-70s-face-driving-ban-if-they-fail-new-compulsorily-eye-tests-13409983

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/uk-road-safety-push-could-see-mandatory-eye-tests-for-older-drivers

https://metro.co.uk/2025/08/11/new-uk-road-safety-law-overhaul-explained-eye-tests-reduced-drink-drive-limit-23882129/

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/367541/bad-vision-no-licence-driver-eyesight-rules-tighten-over-70s

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/driving-test-eye-rules-change-dvla-133322808.html