Older drivers above the age of 70 set to face ‘four tests’ to stay on road
Elderly drivers above the age of 70 could be hit with several tests to stay behind the wheel as part of a major safety shake-up.
Older motorists above the age of 70 may have to take four tests just to keep their driving licence and stay on the road as part of a major overhaul, according to experts. The Department for Transport has been consulting over plans to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers.
In the consultation, the DfT identified the four checks that a mandatory test could cover if an exam was introduced. This would include a range of assessments such as checking whether road users had a visual medical condition to analysing road users' peripheral vision.
Experts at BigWantsYourCar explained: “The first is a visual acuity test, which measures how clearly a person can see objects at a distance. This is commonly assessed using a letter chart and can be completed while wearing glasses or contact lenses if required.
“Drivers could also be asked to complete a visual field assessment, designed to measure peripheral vision and identify any blind spots which may affect road safety.
“A third element could involve screening for eye conditions known to affect driving ability, including glaucoma and other age-related visual impairments. Finally, motorists may need to demonstrate they meet the legal minimum eyesight requirements for driving in the UK, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away in good daylight conditions.”
Stakeholders have already submitted their evidence and opinions to the DfT, with the consultation coming to a close back in May.
The College of Optometrists is among those to publish their responses, with the group agreeing that a range of checks would be needed.
Meanwhile, the General Optical Council explained that typical sight tests by optometrists include a range of checks such as eye muscle and alignment tests and ocular health assessments such as visual field checks and retinal scans.
The DfT has promised to publish a summary of responses and its official response.
The DfT previously said: “Our primary objective is to reduce road deaths and injuries of older drivers (and other road users who could be involved in collisions with older drivers) while preserving their independence, mobility and social connectivity. We believe that by ensuring older drivers continue to meet the required vision standards for safe driving, there could be a positive impact on road safety.”
