Over-70s drivers outrage at being targeted for compulsory eye tests

Older drivers are up in arms at being singled out in a controversial plan rumoured to be under consideration for the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy.

Under new legislation, motorists aged 70 and over could be banned from the roads if they fail compulsory eye tests.

The new rules would tighten up current regulations that simply require drivers aged 70 and over to self-certify their fitness to drive.

"Why just the over 70s?" say many people in response to the breaking story in The Sunday Times.

"Why put this for people over 70 and not everyone? Why make it sound like they are targeting the elderly?"

"Here we go again, blame the elderly when by far the worst offenders in terms of road traffic collisions are the just-passed-the-test lads and the reckless speeders," continues another.

"They need to focus on young drivers who speed," is a common response. 

Many in the road safety industry have welcomed the proposed changes, calling them long overdue - but again, there is agreement that it shouldn’t just be the over-70s who are targeted.

Road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist believes that all drivers should be tested, not just those aged 70 or over. "For too long, we have relied on self-reporting of eyesight problems and we welcome the prospect of this welcome shift towards proactive safety enforcement.

"Too many people – and not just those aged 70 or over – are driving with defective eyesight that has deteriorated to a dangerous level."

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, also believes that professional eye testing should be a standard element of driver licensing for all drivers. This should include a requirement to provide evidence of a full eye test both when first applying and at each driving licence renewal.

Everyone aged 60 and over is entitled to a free eye test, as is anyone diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma.

Those aged 40 and over can have a free eye test if a close family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma, as can people on certain social security benefits.

Ask HJ

Should older drivers be tested for reactions as well as eyesight?

While I fully agree with over 70's having eye tests, at 82 I have had a two yearly one for over 20 years and have 18/20 vision, without glasses. I believe that all motorist over the age of 40 should have one. as I have seen people in this age group and over who eye sight is not up to standard. I also believe that reactions tests such as I had in the armed forces should be introduced, as you could have the necessary eyesight but poor reactions.

Eye tests for drivers of all ages should be something that we do regularly and voluntarily, but it is likely that there are many drivers on the road today whose eyesight is not up to standard. Mandatory testing would likely see these drivers have their licences taken away and make the roads safer for everyone else. Testing reaction times would also have the same effect. Given that mandatory testing such as this would probably need to be paid for by the drivers themselves, it seems like this could generate funds for the government, but perhaps not as much as keeping as many drivers as possible on the road.

Answered by David Ross

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