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Govt plans new driving rule for over-70s that includes mandatory eye tests
06th January, 2026 07:30 AM
Mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 may be introduced as part of new road safety measures.
Cognitive tests for older drivers could also be considered as part of a broader road safety strategy that aims to reduce deaths and injuries without limiting the independence of older drivers.
The government’s plans – which will be published in full on Wednesday – aim to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, and by 70% for children under 16.
About 24% of drivers killed in collisions in 2024 were aged 70 or older, while older drivers accounted for 12% of all car crash casualties.
Lilian Greenwood, local transport minister, said: “We know driving is important for older people’s well-being and independence, but we must ensure everyone on our roads is safe.
“As the country’s older population grows, this first road safety strategy in over a decade will balance personal freedoms with measures to save lives.”
It was reported last year that the strategy may also see those caught not wearing a seatbelt receive penalty points for the first time, while drivers found on the road without insurance could face more severe consequences.
Under the proposed changes, upfront fines for those offenders could rise to £600.
Minister defends proposals to ban over 70s from driving
Wes Streeting previously defended plans to make over-70s take compulsory eye tests every three years – which could see them banned from driving if they fail, it is understood.
Ministers are considering “tougher” measures to tackle road deaths and injuries in England and Wales, which they believe have “remained stubbornly high under successive Conservative governments”.
Under the new proposals, first reported by The Times, the drink-drive limit would be lowered to match the current rules in Scotland.
Currently, the drink-drive limit is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath in England and Wales, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood.
But this is expected to be lowered to 22 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath or 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, to match the stricter levels already enforced in Scotland.
Those caught not wearing a seatbelt could also receive penalty points for the first time, while drivers found on the road without insurance could also face more severe consequences.
As well as this, plans are currently being drawn up to make those aged 70 or over take a compulsory eye test every three years when they renew their driving licence.
Those who fail this would lose their right to drive under the proposals. It’s understood that tests for other conditions, such as dementia, are also being considered.
Speaking on Monday, Streeting said the transport secretary is consulting and “considering a whole range of proposals”, which will be unveiled in the “not too distant future”.
It is understood that Heidi Alexander will unveil the measures in a new road safety strategy in the autumn.
