Labour could be about to introduce another simple policy to their eyesight testing proposals, which could leave many pensioners off the road.
New driving licence rules could impact older motorists (Image: Getty)
Labour looks set to make it harder for over-70s to stay on the roads with new driving licence rules likely to be introduced later this year. The Government is pushing for the introduction of eyesight testing for older drivers, with checks set to become mandatory for retaining a licence over the age of 70.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation examining the issue ahead of any updates being confirmed. The Government consultation goes into extra details about Labour’s exact plans, with officials making a major admission.
The Government has opened a consultation over new mandatory eyesight rules (Image: Getty)
Instead of using a central database of eyesight test information to check against applicants, the DfT has suggested that the onus may be on motorists to prove they have undergone checks every three years.
According to the DfT consultation: “Consideration is being given to a licence holder providing proof that they have attended an eye test, which would include confirming the outcome from whoever conducted the test.”
Failure to provide these details to the DVLA at renewal is likely to risk motorists not being handed a new photocard and effectively being banned from the roads. The consultation report added: “Considerations include having tests administered by opticians, the NHS or through bespoke test centres for driving eyesight tests.
“We would require evidence of the outcome of the test within a set timeframe at each licence renewal. This could be provided by the licence holder, the person who conducts the test or both.”
However, at this early stage, the DfT stressed they have not ruled out pushing testers to report information to the DVLA instead. This would likely ensure motorists don’t accidentally forget to submit their results, leading to dozens of pensioners off the roads.
The report explained: “Alongside this, we could look to introduce a legal obligation on the person conducting the test to report test results directly to the DVLA.
“Introducing a mandatory reporting requirement would give assurance that a licence holder meets the required vision standards and supports proactive intervention where vision may pose a road safety risk.”
The consultation is a chance for industry experts to have their say over the plans, with final details to be announced soon after.
Later in the consultation, the DfT asks consultation respondents “who should be responsible for notifying the DVLA of the outcome of the mandatory eyesight test”, suggesting that this is still up for debate at this stage.
