United Kingdom considers mandatory vision tests for drivers over 70

The United Kingdom government is considering stricter regulations for drivers aged 70 and over, specifically focusing on mandatory vision testing during the license renewal process. Currently, drivers over 70 must renew their licenses at least every three years by self-declaring that they meet vision requirements and have no reportable health issues to the DVLA.

The Department for Transport is exploring replacing this self-declaration model with objective assessments. Proposed measures include testing visual acuity, field of vision, and identifying medical conditions that could impair driving ability. The government is also evaluating who should conduct these tests and whether the frequency of checks should increase with age.

The proposal follows a public consultation period that ran from January to May 2026. The move comes as the population of elderly drivers grows; in 2025, there were 6.3 million full license holders over 70, a 60% increase since 2012. Road safety concerns also play a role, with data showing 1,224 drivers over 70 were killed or seriously injured in UK road accidents in 2024.