UK Over-70s Face Mandatory Eye Tests in Road Safety Overhaul

The open road may soon become more challenging for Britain’s elderly drivers as ministers propose sweeping road safety reforms. UK drivers over 70 could face mandatory eye tests every three years under new government plans aimed at reducing rising fatality rates. These proposals, part of the most significant road safety overhaul in decades, come as collisions involving older drivers causing death or serious injury have surged by 47% since 2010 according to The Times (August 12, 2025). The changes would align England and Wales with European neighbors by introducing stricter vision requirements and lowering drink-drive limits.

Mandatory Eye Tests for Elderly Drivers
Currently, the UK is among only three European nations relying on self-reporting of vision problems by drivers. The new rules would require all drivers over 70 to pass professional eye examinations for license renewal every three years. Those failing would lose driving privileges immediately. This shift responds to alarming Department for Transport data showing increasing elderly driver involvement in serious accidents.

The proposed vision policy marks a dramatic departure from current practice, where seniors simply declare themselves fit to drive. Road safety advocates argue this change is long overdue. “Self-certification clearly isn’t working when we see such dramatic increases in serious collisions,” stated AA president Edmund King. “Regular professional assessments could prevent hundreds of families experiencing tragedy annually.”

Lower Limits and Stronger Enforcement
Parallel proposals target drink-driving and uninsured motorists. The legal alcohol limit in England and Wales would drop from 35mg to 22mg per 100ml of breath – matching Scotland and most European nations. This change follows drink-driving incidents reaching a 13-year high in 2022.

Police would gain expanded powers to prosecute drug-drivers using roadside saliva tests as court evidence, eliminating the current requirement for blood tests. Authorities also plan harsher penalties for uninsured drivers to combat “ghost plates” – untraceable counterfeit registrations that evade automatic number-plate recognition systems.

Must Know
What would trigger an eye test failure?
Optometrists would assess whether vision meets the current UK driving standard of reading a number plate from 20 meters. Those falling below this threshold or with uncorrectable impairments would lose licenses. Testing would include peripheral vision and contrast sensitivity evaluations.

How would lower alcohol limits affect drivers?
The reduced 22mg limit means most drivers couldn’t consume even one standard alcoholic drink before driving. A small glass of wine or pint of beer could put drivers over the limit, compared to approximately 1.5 drinks under current rules.

What are “ghost plates” being targeted?
These counterfeit registrations use non-reflective materials or unusual fonts to evade police cameras. The plates often feature false registration numbers cloned from legitimate vehicles or completely fabricated combinations.

Why focus on elderly drivers specifically?
While all ages cause accidents, data shows disproportionate increases in serious collisions involving drivers over 60. Age-related vision decline affects depth perception, peripheral awareness, and night vision – crucial skills for safe driving.

When might these changes take effect?
Proposals are in consultation phase with parliamentary debate expected later this year. If approved, new regulations could be implemented as early as 2026, though opposition is anticipated from senior advocacy groups.

How do other countries regulate elderly drivers?
Many European nations and US states require regular vision and medical checks for seniors. Japan mandates cognitive tests for drivers over 75, while Australia requires medical assessments starting at age 75.

These proposed reforms represent a necessary evolution in road safety policy. By implementing mandatory eye tests for over-70s, aligning drink-drive limits with European standards, and cracking down on uninsured vehicles, the UK aims to reverse alarming accident trends. As Edmund King notes, international evidence shows such measures reduce deaths by 20-40% – potentially saving 58 lives annually in Britain alone. All road users should stay informed about these developments and prepare for stricter enforcement of driving standards nationwide.