Updated eyesight rules for drivers may be hard to argue with

You may have noticed the government recently mentioned a few changes to the process of renewing your driving licence once you turn 70. If you didn’t notice, this might actually be more relevant to you than you think. Comment sections across the internet have been filled with both good and bad points, as well as a few that are just blatantly ridiculous. If you weren’t aware, the proposal in question is to make eye tests mandatory for older drivers renewing their licences.

So, what are the proposals? The simplest way to explain it is that the DVLA will start asking for evidence.

Under the current rules, you sign the declaration to say your eyesight is ok and you get a new licence. Under the proposed changes, you would need to provide DVLA with a copy of a recent eye test. Obviously, the details of exactly how it would be implemented are a long way off, but that’s essentially what it boils down to.

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has long campaigned for reforms to these rules and has described the recent proposals for compulsory eyesight tests as ‘long overdue’. GEM’s head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Regular eyesight tests would help protect all road users by identifying visual impairments that could compromise safe driving.”

However, GEM has also highlighted a slight flaw in the proposal.

It’s not that older drivers are being unfairly targeted – it's no secret that bits of our bodies start wearing out as we age – but while the reasoning behind the proposal is a good start, its scope should probably be expanded.

We rely on drivers self-notifying DVLA of eye problems that affect their ability to drive safely. But in many cases, people can fail to understand the severity of their declining eyesight and how it affects them. Add in the fact that the car represents independence and you can also see why many would struggle to voluntarily surrender their driving licence.

GEM is arguing that while it’s clearly easier to implement this proposal with over-70s because they already have to renew on a regular basis, there are too many other drivers whose eyesight has deteriorated to dangerous levels.

Follow that argument to its logical conclusion and the solution is simple: regular eye tests for all drivers, not just those over 70 years of age.

The road safety organisation believes all drivers should be tested and is also urging the government to implement an ambitious, first-rate communications strategy alongside any legislative change.

Reforming driver eyesight rules overall, demonstrates a commitment to making the roads safer for everyone and has nothing to do with unfairly targeting people because of their age or restricting anyone’s freedom. To reduce any potential risk, all licence holders should get a professional eye exam every two years, as a matter of individual responsibility as well as public safety.

While it’s undoubtedly less complex to first introduce this proposal to a group of drivers who already need to regularly renew their licences, mandatory eye tests across the board should be an essential tool for ensuring everyone’s safety.