Overview
- The Department for Transport has opened a consultation proposing compulsory eyesight testing starting at age 70, with no final decisions yet taken.
- Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said the review focuses on over‑70s’ vision standards, while flagging future consideration of broader fitness‑to‑drive measures such as cognitive assessments.
- Parliamentary exchanges saw MP Shockat Adam urge sight checks at every 10‑year licence renewal; ministers advised regular eye tests for all drivers but confirmed the consultation targets over‑70s.
- Some media reports claim over‑70s could face tests every three years, though that interval has not been set and remains subject to the consultation.
- Campaigners warn tougher rules could isolate older people given steep declines in bus mileage since 2010, while the DfT points to a £3bn bus investment programme to improve local services.