The Labour government is facing criticism over a proposed new driving rule that charities warn will disproportionately affect millions of older motorists. The policy would introduce mandatory eye tests for drivers when they renew their licence at age 70 and every three years thereafter.
Age UK's Call for an Evidence-Based Approach
Age UK has issued a formal response to the government's developing strategy for drivers. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, stated that while improving road safety is a universal goal, the approach must be proportionate. She highlighted that current rules only require drivers to self-certify their eyesight at the age 70 renewal point.
Abrahams pointed to the findings of a previous Department for Transport-supported Older Drivers Taskforce. That body recommended moving away from self-certification but coupled it with a proposal to raise the licence renewal age to 75.
The Argument for Raising the Renewal Age
The charity argues that the current age threshold of 70 is an outdated benchmark. "The age of 70 was chosen quite arbitrarily in 1971 when life expectancy was 68 for men and 72 for women," Abrahams explained. She noted that life expectancy has increased substantially since then and that modern vehicles are significantly safer.
Age UK's position is that a balanced, evidence-based policy would involve both requiring an eye test and raising the age at which it becomes mandatory. "To do the first without the second feels disproportionately negative so far as older drivers are concerned," Abrahams said, emphasising that the vast majority of older drivers are highly responsible.
Limited Impact on Accident Reduction Predicted
While acknowledging that an eye test requirement is a sensible safeguard and reflects practice in other countries, Age UK cautioned against overstating its benefits for road safety. The charity stressed that available data does not suggest poor eyesight among older drivers is a leading cause of road traffic accidents.
Therefore, while the measure may be introduced, no one should expect it to lead to a significant reduction in collisions on its own. The response from Age UK frames the debate around fairness, evidence, and the need for a holistic view of driver safety that considers modern longevity.
