If people lose their driving licences some fear they may be left without valid identification
Over 70s could lose their licences if their eyesight isn’t good enough (Image: Getty)
New rules for over-70s drivers have sparked concerns that it could leave people without crucial forms of identification. The Department for Transport is consulting on plans which could see people forced to have mandatory eyesight tests at 70.
Currently, people self-declare they are fit to drive, but the number of crashes and also concerns raised by opticians have led to it being looked at as part of a new Road safety strategy launched by the government. The DfT is looking at a mandatory test at 70 and every three years – and those failing would lose their licences.
Opticians said they were concerned at the number of people who were in this age group who are still driving but do not have good enough vision to do so. Data showed nearly one in four (24%) car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older.
However, people need IDs to access all sorts of services – and with older people potentially letting passports lapse as they go abroad less on holiday, there are concerns they could be left without any ID. In a parliamentary written question Labour’s Andrew Ranger asked the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: “What steps the Government is taking to ensure that people aged over 70 who lose their driving licence as a result of medical or eyesight requirements, and who do not hold a valid passport, are able to access an alternative form of official identification that is accepted by banks and other essential services as proof of identity.”
Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), said the primary aim of a driving licence was to show the person’s permission to get on the road – and the ID issue was secondary: “The Government recognises that many people use a driving licence as evidence of identity and that some organisations and businesses accept the photocard driving licence as such. However, the statutory purpose of a driving licence is to convey the licence holder’s entitlement to drive and it is not intended to act as a proof of identity.
“All individuals who hold or apply for a driving licence must meet the minimum health standards required for safe driving. Those who do not meet the medical standards cannot hold or be issued with a driving licence only for identification purposes.
“For those who no longer require a driving licence or those who not qualify, Local Authorities offer a Voter Authority Certificate as another form of photo identity. Although this is a paper document it can be used as photographic proof of identification. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.”
The DfT consultation can be viewed here. It is seeking views on potentially moving away from the current self-declaration system for eyesight standards for drivers aged 70 and over and introducing mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers as part of the driving licence renewal process.
It said: “In Great Britain, the entitlement to drive expires at the age of 70. Once drivers reach 70 years of age, they must renew their driving licence and, thereafter, at most every 3 years. To renew their entitlement, they must make a legal declaration that they can meet the eyesight standards required to drive and confirm whether they have any listed medical conditions.
“Vision is a critical component of safe driving and ensuring that older drivers can meet the minimum standards required for driving directly addresses a key factor in road safety.”
The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists have welcomed the move. Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, said: “An introduction of mandatory sight tests for drivers aged over 70 would be a welcome step in improving vision standards for drivers in the UK. But the rules could go further to ensure that UK standards are in alignment to those internationally.
“We are calling for a mandatory requirement for all drivers to submit evidence of an up-to-date sight test at licence application and renewal, every 10 years and then every 3 years from age 70, to align with age-related eye conditions and deterioration in visual function. This would enable early detection and treatment of eye conditions that may be otherwise asymptomatic, and utilises regulated sight tests that are delivered by registered optometrists on the High Street across the UK.”
Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) added: “The recent inquest into deaths caused by drivers with eyesight problems laid bare the human cost of inaction. Introducing routine sight tests for drivers is a proportionate and necessary response to ensure fitness to drive – and something that we have been clear about in our calls to Government.”
