The Government has set out major changes to road safety laws
Major change to road safety laws have been proposed (Image: Getty)
A new mandatory safety test has been proposed for certain drivers with growing calls for the test to be made universal. As part of a package of road safety measures, the Government has proposed to bring in a mandatory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70.
The current rules mandate that to be allowed to drive, you must be able to read a number plate at a distance of 20 metres, but you don’t have to show evidence of this. The rules state you must inform the DVLA if you become unfit to drive such as if your eyesight worsens, but this relies on motorists self-reporting any issues.
Auto Express did a poll to find out what the public think of the proposed changes. More than three quarters of respondents said there should be mandatory eyesight checks for drivers of all ages. Almost half of those spoken to said this should be every three years.
Steve Walker, head of Digital Content at Auto Express, said: “There’s no question that good eyesight is fundamental to safe driving, and Auto Express has long encouraged motorists of all ages to have regular eye tests. However, the evidence shows that eyesight can deteriorate more quickly with age, and older drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in serious accidents, which is why targeted, mandatory checks for over-70s make sense from a road safety perspective.”
But the driving expert stopped short of backing mandatory tests for everyone. Mr Walker said: “Introducing compulsory checks every 10 years for all drivers risks being overly bureaucratic when the evidence shows eyesight deterioration is far more likely later in life. That said, maintaining good vision is important at any age.
“What matters most is that drivers take responsibility for their eyesight, getting their eyes checked regularly and especially if they notice blurred distance vision, difficulty reading road signs, increased glare from headlights, poor night vision, double vision or eye strain, all of which can significantly affect reaction times and hazard awareness behind the wheel.”
The proposed mandatory tests is part of the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy. Other proposed changes include making learner drivers have a minimum three to six months learning period between their theory and practical tests.
As MPs discussed the plans, Leicester South MP Shockat Adam backed the idea of having a universal eyesight test for drivers. He said: “The UK is one of the only countries in Europe that does not have mandatory sight tests until people have to renew their licence at the age of 70, so somebody could pass a driving test at 17 or 18, then not have an eye test until they are 70 years old.
“Does the minister agree that people should have a sight test every time their driving licence is renewed, which is every 10 years, to ensure that they are safe on the road?”
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood provided a response from the Government. She said: “No one should be driving on our roads whose eyesight does not meet the required standard. We have chosen to consult on eye tests for those over 70, but it would be good advice for everyone to have their eyes tested on a regular basis.”
