As part of the Road Safety Strategy, published by the Government in January, drivers over the age of 70 in the UK could be made to take mandatory eye tests.
Currently, motorists are not subjected to obligatory checks of their skills or health once they obtain their licence, no matter how old they become.
However, they are required to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they are no longer fit to drive.
Officials hope the move will boost the road safety of older drivers without unnecessarily restricting their mobility and personal freedom.
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Public consultation on the new strategy is expected to finish at the end of March.
Driving experts at Refused Car Finance say that booking routine eye examinations now could help older motorists stay ahead of any potential rule changes and avoid the risk of facing restrictions or delays to their driving if new eyesight requirements are introduced.
They also claim that while most older drivers remain safe and confident, age-related vision can decline gradually, meaning many may not realise their eyesight has deteriorated to a level that could affect their ability to drive under the new scheme.
Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma become more common with age, and can significantly affect depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to read road signs clearly.
By booking regular eye tests now and identifying these issues early, motorists can seek treatment in advance of potential mandatory eye tests, which could otherwise temporarily prevent them from legally driving.
John Mucklan, expert at Refused Car Finance, said: “If mandatory eye tests are introduced, drivers who already monitor their eyesight regularly will be far less likely to face a sudden situation where they are told they can’t drive until the issue is resolved.
“These tests are not being proposed to force older drivers off the roads; they are to help protect both personal independence and road safety.
“For drivers of all ages, safe travel relies on having clear vision. This is essential for quickly recognising hazards, reacting appropriately, and reading road signs.
“Regular eye examinations are a crucial priority for everyone, regardless of age, to ensure optimal road safety and minimise the risk of any potential accidents.”
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According to YouGov, 37 million UK drivers (88%) agree that mandatory eye tests for older drivers should be introduced.
At the time the proposed introduction of mandatory eye tests for over 70s was first revealed, Age UK criticised the suggestion.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “It is certainly good for our eye health as we age to have a regular eye test – every two years, the NHS advises – but this doesn’t automatically mean that a compulsory eye test at age 70 is appropriate.
“People can develop eye problems at any age, so why confine such an approach only to those aged 70 and not to younger drivers too?
“A regular eye test for drivers of all ages may be a better idea, one less open to the accusation of ageism – but we would need to see all the evidence to form a final view.”
