Every driver above the age of 70 could soon face “mandatory” driving tests to stay on the roads after calls for major rules changes. A new Parliament petition has called for the implementation of “regular assessments of driving ability in older drivers” that would include full driving retests.

The poll has also suggested exams could look at a wide range of factors to retain driving licences, including reaction times, eyesight tests and older road users’ “manoeuvring ability”. If implemented, the changes would signify one of the largest increases in older driver legislation, targeting the over-70s. Experts claim that the move would help “improve road safety for all” by taking vulnerable road users off the roads.

A new poll is demanding extra driving tests or eyesight checks. (Image: Getty)

The petition reads: “We want the Government to introduce mandatory driving retests for drivers over the age of 70. We think this will make the road safer for everyone: motorcyclists, pedestrians and car users.”

The petition adds: “We want the Government to introduce mandatory driving retests for drivers over 70, with regular assessments of driving ability, including full driving retests, reaction time and hazard tests, manoeuvring ability checks, and comprehensive eyesight examinations to help improve road safety for all.”

Under current rules, motorists are only made to undertake medical checks or practical assessments if their self-assessment questionnaire raises concerns. Vision tests and cognitive checks may be considered if officials need more information to make a valid assessment of a road user.

The petition must receive at least 10,000 signatures to receive an official response from the Government. Meanwhile, 100,000 signatures are required for the rule changes to be considered for debate in Parliament.

The poll is set to run until the end of May 2026, meaning there is still almost half a year for the petition to secure the signatures required. However, the Government already looks set to introduce tougher rules around older driver licence renewals, with mandatory eye tests understood to be considered.

This would require road users to undergo an eye test to renew their licence every three years after the age of 70 to continue driving. Changes were expected to be published as part of a new road safety strategy set to be outlined by the Government.

The introduction of tougher drink-driving rules is also being considered, with the threshold being tightened from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath to 22 micrograms.