The Government has responded to calls for compulsory eye tests for drivers. Opticians have urged that those over 70 should be tested, following a study revealing that six in 10 of their members have encountered a patient who is unlawfully driving within the past month.
It’s estimated that one in ten of the over 30 million British motorists may have inadequate vision – implying that three million could potentially lose their licence if the DVSA accepts the proposed law change for all drivers. Liberal Democrat James MacCleary posed a written Parliamentary question on the matter, asking the Secretary of State for Transport “if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring all drivers to complete a DVLA eye test.”
Responding, Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), stated that it currently falls on drivers to report any changes in their vision to the authorities.
She explained: “All drivers have an ongoing legal responsibility to ensure that they meet the vision standards for driving, which includes being able to read a number plate from 20 metres, wearing glasses or corrective lenses if needed. Drivers must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) at any time of a change in their health or vision which may affect their ability to meet the appropriate standards.
“The Department for Transport supports the National Health Service’s recommendation that adults should have their eyes tested every two years and the DVLA encourages drivers to regularly check their own vision by reading a number plate from 20 metres and arranging a formal vision test when required. There are no current plans to introduce mandatory eyesight testing of all drivers.”
The Association of Optometrists last year urged for a change in legislation, requiring all drivers to undergo vision checks when first applying for a driving licence, upon renewal, and every three years for those over seventy.
Commenting on the survey results, Chief Executive Adam Sampson said: “This is a stark reminder of why UK roads are not as safe as they should be.”
Surveys of 910 optometrists, medical experts who conduct eye tests and health checks, revealed that half of them have multiple patients who are breaking the law.
Vision changes occur gradually, often leaving drivers oblivious to their deteriorating sight. The DVLA mandates that drivers should be able to read a number plate from 66 feet (20m) away and at least six rows of letters on the Snellen wall chart.
Furthermore, individuals must report any partial or total loss of vision to the DVLA.
Highlighting a critical issue in road safety, Professor Julie-Anne Little, former chair of the AOP, shed light on the insidious nature of sight deterioration among drivers: “Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated over time. Having poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times and the ability to drive safely.”
Professor Little starkly warned: “It doesn’t take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic consequences.”
Echoing this concern, Mr Sampson criticised current regulations, stating: “The number plate test is not an adequate test of vision. The law should be updated to ensure all drivers are required to have their vision checked and this should be done by reliable means.”
At present, over-70s are obligated to self-certify their fitness to drive triennially without the need for medical validation, although they must renew their driving licence more frequently than other age groups. Steering away from the idea of mandatory retesting, some experts recommend a simple triennial “driver MOT” as an alternative solution, focusing on key areas such as reaction speed, eyesight, and awareness, thus ensuring road safety while respecting the mobility of older drivers.
In his statement, Andrew Jervis, Co-Founder and CEO at ClickMechanic, expressed the challenge of achieving equilibrium: “It’s a tricky balance keeping all road users safe without making older drivers feel like they’re being pushed off the road. Drivers over 70 are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, but they have fewer accidents overall. A better option might be a simple three-yearly ‘driver MOT’.”
He pointed out that senior motorists often show greater diligence when it comes to vehicle maintenance, with more frequent servicing schedules that “could actually make their vehicles safer”.
For the government rules on eyesight standards click here.
