UK Government Analyzes Eye Test Plan for Over-70 Drivers, June 11

By Danny Kontos

June 11, 2026

03:11 PM

3 min read

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Key Points

40% rise in collisions linked to defective eyesight over past 12 months.

Consultation on mandatory eye tests for over-70 drivers closed 11 May.

Proposed tests would occur every three years with potential licence revocation.

Government response expected after analyzing consultation feedback.

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The UK government is reviewing a public consultation on mandatory eye tests for drivers aged over 70. A 40 percent rise in collisions linked to defective eyesight in the past 12 months has prompted officials to consider making vision checks compulsory every three years. The Department for Transport closed the consultation on 11 May and is now analyzing responses before publishing its decision.

Why Vision Tests Are Under Review

New data reveals a 40 percent rise in collisions in Great Britain where defective or uncorrected eyesight was recorded as the contributing factor. The government launched a public consultation on 7 January to gather views on introducing mandatory eye tests for all drivers over 70. Currently, drivers must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if their eyesight deteriorates, but this is not compulsory.

What the Government Is Considering

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Lillian Greenwood confirmed that officials are actively considering making eyesight checks compulsory. The proposed rule would require eye tests every three years, with licences potentially being revoked if drivers fail to meet medical standards. The DVLA would investigate drivers who report medical conditions and only issue licences if they meet appropriate standards.

Next Steps and Timeline

The Department for Transport is currently analyzing responses from the consultation, which closed on 11 May. The government response will be published at a later date. All drivers, regardless of age, already have a legal responsibility to inform the DVLA if they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

Final Thoughts

The government is weighing mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 after a 40% jump in vision-related collisions. A decision is expected after the Department for Transport finishes analyzing consultation responses.

FAQs

Why is the government considering eye tests for older drivers?

Collisions from defective eyesight rose 40% in the past year. The government aims to ensure drivers meet medical standards for safe driving.

How often would eye tests happen if the rule changes?

The proposal requires mandatory eye tests every three years for all drivers aged over 70.

What happens if a driver fails the eye test?

The DVLA investigates. If the driver cannot meet medical standards, their licence may be revoked.

Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.

About Author

Danny Kontos

Co Founder

Danny Kontos has been a stock investor since 2007 and co-founded Meyka in 2023. He keeps a small, focused portfolio and only moves when the numbers are hard to argue with. He has waited years on a single position before. Before Meyka, he ran a web hosting company and a mortgage lending platform, so he knows what a well-run business actually looks like under the hood. This article did not come from a news cycle. It came from someone who has been watching this space for a long time.