In the 90’s only 33% of those over 70 had a driving licence, and now, 20 years later that figure has doubled with last year 67% of people aged 70 or older holding a driving licence. Alongside that, over 113,000 90-year-olds hold a valid driving licence and still drive.
Now, the Department for Transport is considering enforcing eye tests every three years for over 70’s in a bid to remove potential risky drivers from our roads.
Government proposal
“Good eyesight is important,” the document said. “We are minded to consider there may be a case for mandatory eyesight tests at 70 and at three-year intervals thereafter, to coincide with licence renewal.
We’ve reported before on different suggestions by various charities such as compulsory eye tests for everyone at a 10-year mark, to adapting the laws on older drivers as the numbers rise so drastically.
However, this time the government has formally announced it’s consideration of such a scheme. Research previously has show that 44% of optometrists have seen someone who isn’t fit to drive yet does, so is this a bad thing?
Eye tests
For anyone who’s ever had an eye test, you will know how simple it is. Normally, an initial photo of the retina is taken, followed by a check of your vision by an optometrist using different tests. They then determine your prescription and can check any other looming problems.
An eye examination can often pick up on other health problems such as brain tumours, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, along with regular eye problems such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma. Getting an eye test could quite literally save your life, and from as little as £10, it makes sense to get checked regularly.
Plus if you claim certain benefits or fall into specific categories you can get free eye tests, so it’s always worth checking.
Industry reaction
Caroline Abrahams, a director at Age UK, said: “Every driver, regardless of age, is responsible for ensuring they are safe on the road. Being able to see clearly is obviously absolutely crucial.
“When it comes to the suggestion of mandatory eye tests however, we are not aware of any evidence showing poor eye sight is a significant cause of accidents among older drivers. The Department for Transport says it will review the research, but until the results are known it feels premature for drivers to have a compulsory eye test at 70 and at intervals thereafter.”
What to do if you are concerned?
Previously other age focused driving groups such as the Older Drivers forum have issued advice to the elderly. They encourage drivers to drive during daylight and avoid unknown routes unless necessary.
Once you reach the age of 60, you are automatically entitled to a free eye test. It is worth booking in and taking advantage of this, as it can help to detect other medical conditions, not just your eyesight.
Keep fit by doing 15-20 minutes of exercise a day. Whether this is a short walk through a local park, or attending a class at your nearest gym, keeping fit will make sure your joints are mobile and can help with coordination, both useful skills for driving.
Get a drivers assessment or speak to a local driving instructor for a one-off lesson that you can use to make sure you are aware of the roads. With this, you also get a professionals opinion on how you drive and things for you to watch out on. The Older Drivers Forum has a great collection of courses by professional bodies such as the Fire and Rescue service, the Institute of Advanced Motorists and more. The aim of these is not to criticise your driving but instead to make sure that you are confident on the roads, and to keep you driving for longer.
Take a look at your car. Is it the most appropriate for your needs, and have your needs changed? What may have been a luxury, good-looking car may now need to turn into something that is easy to get in and out of, clear speedometer and bright enough lights.
Sgt. Heard from the Older Drivers Forum said that those who have a eye test and driving assessment regularly are less likely to crash or be involved with a collision, so it is worth investing in these things before it is too late.
If you are concerned about a family member or a friend, it is perhaps worth having a conversation with them to see if you can help them in any way, or if you are concerned they may be driving unsafely then offer to drive them to shops or to other events they may attend. Consider helping them to apply for a bus pass or similar as a car is often a lifeline for the elderly to meet up with friends, see doctors and more.
Let us know what you think about this. Do you think this is a good idea? Would you want to have a eye test frequently? How do you make sure you are fit to drive?
“Now, the Department for Transport is considering enforcing eye tests every three years for over 70’s in a bid to remove potential risky drivers from our roads.”
In the main people over 70 have a reputation for being careful drivers yet I see no mention of a draconian crackdown on the thousands of reckless young speeders who infest our roads and pose far more of a threat.
As anyone over the age of 65 benefits from a free eye test every 2 years anyway why not use the results to keep the DVLA informed automatically and cut down on yet more bureaucracy.
I would disagree with this statement, every news article I have seen recently has involved a middle-aged man, usually drunk-driving! There’s a definite change in the dynamic of young drivers, with many of the snowflake-generation opting for trains, buses or the mum & dad taxi service!
The DFT should look at the disqualified drivers by putting a tag On them so police car can sit on the side of the road that triggers of a System off in the car ,,, and not only that , all cars should have the little black box in until the age of 20 or 25 by then should have got some road sense with some luck….
What about cars that are driven by more than one person?
Exactly !!!!
I agree: being 77 and always kept DVLA informed since 2003,, I was delighted to be given a 3-year licence
ME TOO AT 75
Every two years??? I’m 73 and have one every year plus a retina scan. Trouble is new specs.. varifocal, anti dazzle, react-a-light and as light as poss – ‘cos I wear ’em all the time, end up costing £350+++++
I agree, I have an annual test. However I find it hard to find an optician who can get your new lens’ correct the first time. I will be on my 3rd visit back to the opticians about my new lens prescription/positioning being wrong, this can cause driving problems too.
Try Asda opticians instead of the ripoff chains of opticians who spend thousands on TV advertising.
Yes John, I also have a regular eye test etc. There is a cost but at least we are safe and we know it.
Should have gone to Specsavers.
They have to inform the DVLA and it does go on your licence and you can be fined for not wearing your glasses already, not many people know that but if you don’t go for eye tests the DVLA don’t know so therefore it doesn’t go on your licence that you should wear glasses
Over 70 why? I had to start wearing glasses at 18. So you mean I could have been driving for 50 years without. No ALL drivers should be required to have an eye test every 3 years at least.
Correction.
Should read “….anyone over the age of 60”
Not over 60, but everyone after passing the drivers test. I am 77 and have an eye test every year.
My eyes have been tested every 2 years since the age of 9 when I first wore glasses, over the last 3 years they are tested every year. I am now 75, can’t remember when I last had an insurance claim.
Your eyes deteriorate after the age of 40, so why not tests when you have to put a new photo on your licence
I am 68 years old and my eyes are fine. However I am a retired police officer and I stopped many younger drivers who would fail an eye sight test. Young people are at more risks of accidents than older people. I need a car as where I live in Kent the bus service is rubbish. I work part time and finish work at 7pm. The last bus I can get home from work leaves at 6.30pm.
I am 77, still drive regularly, I have an eye test every year, keep my spectacles up to the latest prescription, and more importantly wear them. I know several younger drivers to vain to be seen wearing glasses to drive.
When driving I don’t like too many distractions in the car preferring to concentrate on the environment. I am petrified of the youngsters who are heading for their licenses without the ability to concentrate on anything for more than a few seconds.
So how many did you get to do an eyesight test or get them to do one at the side of the road, )the number late at 67 feet)? I’ll bet it was non.
I’m still closer to young than old, but ever since getting my licence at 17 have always, if you’ll pardon my pun, been horrified by the extreme short sightedness of the anti older driver brigade. Maybe they found the secret to eternal youth.
I thought it was particularly disgusting what happened to Prince Phillip, had it been say Harry who had crashed there, there would have been no question of surrendering driving licences, it’d be recognised as what it was -an accident. I have been hit by a driver turning onto a high speed road under bright, low sun conditions. Not once did I think the driver shouldn’t have a licence. It was just an accident.
I have however been driving long enough to see both roads and pavements, particularly in built up areas could be made immediately noticeably safer by fitting all police vehicles with GPS speed limiters. They got cameras, they’ve been able to radio ahead to intercept someone they really need to talk to for must be nearly a century now, they don’t need to be running over our children in town driving like idiots. Although I have noticed they’ve been showing a little restraint for a few years now, must be the proliferance of conditional fee lawyers.
I used to work as a truck driver, saw plenty of dangerous driving, sure one of the drivers was old, but I don’t believe for a second she hadn’t been driving like that since she first passed her test. As for the insurance underwriters views on female drivers, well they certainly knew how far they could push it. Been hit by 2 high speed male drivers, but hundreds of near missed by high speed female drivers (oddly that’s reversed at low speed, been hit by a few females, but hundreds of near misses by males).
This is ageism, the government persecuting the elderly. If the elderly should be required to have an eye test every three years. then everyone should have one too. I am 77 years old, and I have a free eye test every year, I think this should be a requirement for EVERY driver. I drive about 9,000 miles a year and see so many dangerous drivers , the worst offenders are the red light runners, these are becoming a regular occurrence daily. Where are the Police and cameras on traffic lights
No it’s not. It is a good idea to help keep everyone safe on the road. We need to teach common sense in schools as clearly parents aren’t teaching it to their children.
Whilst I completely agree with some of the comments in this article, I do feel like they are missing the obvious here: as you get older, everything starts to get worn down. Statistically speaking, it’s more likely that an older person will have poor eyesight than a younger person.
I do not disagree that there are younger drivers out there who shouldn’t be on the roads because their eyesight is so poor.
There’s a very simple solution: everyone has mandatory eyesight tests. I don’t see why/how the government hasn’t already enforced this? For the sake of a 10 quid eye test, it’s better than the cost of a potential life.
More important than eye tests are reaction times. There are many older drivers who’s eyesight would meet the current tests but who are unsafe on the roads due to other medical reasons such as speed of thought. The recently introduced eye tests for people suffering fro glaucoma are not representative of how such a person drives. They have a fixed head position with no movement allowed during the test which is not how one drives. Someone with limited field of vision can drive as well if not better than others with poor reaction as they move their head so to provide adequate view of the road. It might be better to have a ‘Health Check’ by a doctor who would be able, in addition or as an alternative to an eye test to certify that person as competent to drive. It might also improve diagnosis of other health problems in the elderly and subsequently reduce the strain on the NHS!
completely agree
Not before time, as a retired HGV & PSV driver, I still have a medical and eye tests every year to maintain my licences, just in case I fancy working again at the age of seventy seven !
Me too I have an American RV and maintain my C1+ every 3 years.
All people over 60 should be having an eye sight test every 2 years, but if a driver, it should be compulsory or don’t drive. I am 68 and have always had regular eye tests throughout my life and currently have mine every 12-18 months. Learner drivers should produce an eye test certificate when applying for a licence and have eye checks at least every 3 years and be able to prove it. A simple solution would be for insurance companies to make this a term of their policies, and stipulate that if driving without a current certificate and up to-date glasses then their insurance is null and void. It’s about time drivers understood the importance of driving with poor eyesight. This also applies to those who have glasses but don’t wear them.
This should not be about a magic age of 70 as there are incompetent drivers of all ages, eye tests are a separate issue.
Would an insurance company insist on an elderly insured driver have an eye test in the event of a claim on their car insurance.?
You are recommended to have an eye test every 2 years, even if you aren’t a spectacle wearer. Maybe this should be enforced to every driver. An Eye Test is currently free for anyone over 60
I am diabetic on Insulin, I have a three year license and a compulsary retinal eye test every 12 months. I welcome the eye test, for being a 74 year old, I know my eyesight can vary with age. I think this is a good idea, it will make sure that over 70’s have correct eyesight, and it will also shut up the constant moaners who go on about the seniors. If I had my way, everyone should have a three year eye test from the time they pass their test, as some younger drivers really concern me.
My concern is that the current law is ONLY about distance vision. For many years, I was told by my optician that my sight was fully legal for driving although I couldn’t read the speedometer without my reading glasses. I opted to start wearing varifocals as I was fed up with having to put on “readers” each time I wanted to check my speed!!
Equally, a friend was recently told that his vision is road legal, although he voluntarily stopped driving 2 years ago as he felt that his vision had deteriorated (through cataract development) and no longer felt it appropriate for him to be behind the wheel!
A very good point, I had the same problem and now get tested every 2 years. Also if you wear glasses for driving you have to inform the DVLA.
Have a cataract operation, I had both eyes done last year – result was that eye test cleared me to drive without specs. I do wear specs all the time, age 88. I am looking forward to renewing my IAM in the near future
I use bi-focal glasses for driving. The lower section is not the same as my single vision reading glasses. It is a ‘mid-way’ focal point, using my own measurement of eye to speedometer distance. So I the road AND speedo are in focus.
(Aged 75, with an eye test every two years.)
Sound idea, all older drivers should be tested for competence in all aspects of driving. I’ve done the RoSPA Experienced Driver Assessment twice and it’s to get a professional view of what you are like.
Recommended. Jim Reynolds.
As an ex driving instructor I can state I have had people arrive for test with proof that they can see from an optician but could not read a number plate at the required distance. Surely it would be sensible to take a theory test practical test and eye test and replace photo every 10 years to get a new license.
Surely this is a non-story isn’t it? With free eye test available to all over 65’s, this is already happening. I am 68 and I have my eyes tested every year. I cannot see what on earth the problem is. In any case, it is not necessarily peoples eye-sight that needs testing. For the most part it is people’s cognitive abilities in heavy traffic in built-up areas and their ability to make quick decisions under pressurised circumstances that are the real major potential problem. Provided that ALL drivers are conscientious in looking after all areas of their medical health, then I cannot see why age should be a barrier.
I agree with a lot of what is said but why just the older age group, who as you say get free eye test after a certain, I think all ages should as I have seen young people struggling to see xx
I get an eye test every two years as I wear glasses for driving and obviously I want to check the health of my eyes so I think there should be compulsory tests for everyone. However I would like to see compulsory black boxes for everyone up to the age of 25 with insurance discounts for careful driving.
It is ageist to suggest this should simply be a test for people of a certain age. There are people of all ages driving with less than perfect eyesight but wear specs or lenses to correct sight which is the case for all people.
I have a test every year
I shall be 75 next month and my location makes a car a necessity. I hope I shall know when I should stop driving – if not I hope someone else will make sure that I do know and trow away my keys! in the meantime,I do have regular sight tests and think that it should be made compulsory as suggested. But why stop there? Its all very well to self-declare as to one’s fitness to drive but all too easy to self delude. I would welcome medical tests for over 70s but cost is definitely a factor at a time when many people’s income is limited – let’s hope someone comes up with a smart app that can carry out this task!
Medicals are a waste of time. Years ago a friend who was a professional pilot renewed his medical, which is MUCH stiffer for a CPL than for a PPL. He was 41, a non smoker teetotal physical fitness fanatic. Nobody was surprised when he passed easily.
Three days later he dropped down dead on the airfield. I rest my case.
As someone with elderly relatives who drive I would endorse this suggestion. I would also include a reaction time test and one identifying problems in a VR drive.
I have an eyesight test every year. My vision with spectacles is better than the standard 20/20 vision.
There seems to be a misconception, that poor eyesight occurs in the elderly.
People can have bad eyesight at any age.
Do we know that only elderly drivers drink drive? No young drivers , in fact drivers of any age can drink dr I’ve.
I believe that more young drivers dabble in drugs and drive.at the end of my cul-de-sac I see many different cars with young drives smoking very ‘scented’ roll ups, I doubt that any are over 35, then they drive up the road using all the revs in 1st 2nd and 3 gears. Even 2 no gear would take them well over 30mph!
Any one can have a heart attack at any age. Years ago 2 of my neighbours lost their partners before the age of 30.
Both were drivers but fortunately weren’t driving at the time.
Should be for ALL drivers
I am 72 and have eye tests every 2 years. I have cataracts and am still withing limits for driving. just had cataract op and now have 20/20 vision in one eye, awaiting next appointment for the other eye to be done.
I also ride a motorcycle and drive a car and have done since 17 years old.
I have noticed that general driving by others has deteriated over the last 10-15 years especially by the so called boy racers and taxi drivers.
Until my other cataract op has been done I will not drive at night although my eye tests confirm that I am well withing the dvla limits for driving . I have also driven in North Africa, Middle East, USA, Canada, Caribbean, Turkey, Spain to name a few.
So not all over 70’s do not need to stop driving just because of age.
Just drive defensively and treat all other drivers etc as idiots.
I have an eye test every year and am relieved when I can still drive although have to buy glasses and I am over 70.
As someone that has an Annual Eye Test ( and receive a reminder from my registered optician) I am shocked to think 3 year testing is acceptable. I am aged 83.
Surely we should all have an eye test every 2 years as recommended by opticians . My pescription certainly changes in those 2 years .
Age discrimination. This should apply to everyone when renewing their licence.
Many over 70s now have an eye test every 3 years now. An eye test for everyone with a driving licence would remove many driver from the road on make them wear their glasses when driving. Attacking the over 70 saying they all are bad drivers one again another way Remove lawbreakers drunk drivers etc. ,and those who kill off the road for ever with lifetime bans would do more towards road safety
My neighbour cant read the paper with out his store bought spec.s the police don’t want to know
It sounds sensible to me – and if arranged to send or confirm your last ophthalmic report, it should be easy and inexpensive to do. One odd thing; in recent years I have needed less strong lenses every 3 years or so. And recently drove on a family visit: Yorkshire – Cornwall – Brighton – Yorks. with no concerns at 87, but try to avoid driving in bad weather at night.
Hi.
I have a licence to drive a coach and. to keep that licence, I have an annual (thorough) medical which includes an optician’s eye test.
Total cost is £116. However; the cost well worth it to check that nothing is wrong with me.
For those who suggest that no one should drive over the age of 70, I say that it is not Age itself that is the problem, but what Age can do to the body.
Some people – not all those over 70 – really shouldn’t be driving. An annual body MoT plus sight test, to my mind, would be a good idea.
I am under 70 and I have my eyes checked every 2 years, its free so why not
what is the problem in having your eyes tested? painless, not much time and may pick up other health issues. should be complusory regardless of age but those entitled to a free eye test have no excuses apart from the ridiculous situation that if you PAY for an eye test one year you are not entitled to it free the next – even if 2 years since your last test. So the 3 year rule will cause some people to not being able to show a recent eye test. It should be every 2 years to co-incide with the FREE eye test.
Writing as someone who will be 70 in the not too distant future, why is this not a sensible policy? (And why is PetrolPrices trying to make it sound like a Draconian imposition?) Over 60s already get free NHS eye tests every two years so there’s no reason not to have an eye test, at no cost, and if your eyesight is judged to be inadequate that could save your life, the lives of your family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other road users and pedestrians. It would be inconvenient for sure, but surely PetrolPrices is not trying to suggest that the lives of children are worth the selfishness of continuing to drive with inadequate eyesight?
Sounds like too much big brother, think before you criticise the elderly. If good eye testing and driving assessment is the panacea, then why arethusa young drivers, who have all been indoctrinated
In the skills of driving the worst group of accident prone drivers?
I am 72 and have eye tests every 2 years. I have cataracts and am still withing limits for driving. just had cataract op and now have 20/20 vision in one eye, awaiting next appointment for the other eye to be done.
I also ride a motorcycle and drive a car and have done since 17 years old.
I have noticed that general driving by others has deteriated over the last 10-15 years especially by the so called boy racers and taxi drivers.
Until my other cataract op has been done I will not drive at night although my eye tests confirm that I am well withing the dvla limits for driving . I have also driven in North Africa, Middle East, USA, Canada, Caribbean, Turkey, Spain to name a few.
So not all over 70’s do not need to stop driving just because of age.
Just drive defensively and treat all other drivers etc as idiots.
Whilst I agree that every step should be taken to ensure the safety of ourselves and others whilst driving on our roads, it would appear that targeting the elderly driver is another example of going for the easy touch once again. The current greatest menace on today’s roads is the sharp increase of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This idea of compulsory eye tests for older drivers is to allow opticians to police our competence to drive. This would be an arbitrary method of deciding who drives and who doesn’t. Would a second opinion be allow to anyone threatened with the removal of a driving licence. Would such a drastic step make any difference to the accident statistics when daily we see examples of atrocious driving from those with apparent perfect vision.? A fairer idea would be some kind of assessment on the lines of a test similar to that offered by The Institute of Advanced Drivers who can give a more accurate assessment of a drivers ability to continue driving.
Good idea. Sight tests are free for over-sixties. The main problem would be the selfish minority who are determined to drive even though they know that their mental, physical and/or ocular capabilities should consign them to passengers’ seats. Sadly, most of those are under-40’s and strung out on hallucinogens…
I am 75, and I agree that there should be eye-testing as well as a means to test the level of alertness too!
The author of this article should have an eye test to check his spelling! I’m 83!
NO PROBLEM TO ME. AS A DIABETIC I HAVE REGULAR EYE TESTS AT MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL AND CHECK WITH WITH THE DOCTOR THAT i AM STILL OK TO DRIVE. HOWEVER THERE ARE MANY UNDIAGNOSED DIABETICS AND PEOPLE WITH OTHER CONDITIONS THAT SHOULD STOP THEM DRIVING BUT THEY ARE UNAWARE OF THEM.
I voluntarily have mine checked every 2 years, don’t see a problem, but why just old people? Younger people can also have eyesight problems.
There are increasing numbers of mature drivers because more of us had cars at 18 50 years ago and there had been a baby boom. Accident rates in the mature have mot increased and significantly and older drivers tend to be courteous to other road users.
I have my eyes tested every year it cost nothing only a few minutes of your time.I am 77 years young.
What about under 70s. Many have poor eyesight.
Mandatory eye tests for EVERONE who holds a driving licence. Should be part of the driving test and if wearing spectacles was necessary to see correctly this information should be endorsed on the driving licence. I have seen young people who should be wearing spectacles, but don’t because they are not COOL.
Good idea. Even better, have ALL drivers do this regardless of age.
It’s a shame the government is having to intervene yet again – common sense dictates this should be done- if you are in control of a potentially lethal weapon it’s your responsibility to the rest of the population to be as safe as possible and not just assume that you are ok. Professional drivers have to be tested every year from 65.
Better have the authorities tested first as they turn too many blind eyes.