Older drivers could need ‘proof’ of 1 test to stay on roads in major rule change
Elderly drivers could be forced to ‘prove' one crucial thing to stay on the roads under major new updates.
Older motorists may need to show “proof” of one simple test to be allowed to keep their driving licence and retain their freedom to drive. The Government is currently looking into the possibility of introducing mandatory eyesight testing rules for older drivers, which could see major rule changes soon come into effect.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting over the possible updates, with the report going into details about how the new rules could work. As part of the report, the DfT confirmed that road users may need to offer proof that they have attended an eye test in order to keep their licence.
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The policy would prevent road users from falsely claiming that they have had their vision checked in an attempt to keep their licence. Under the new rules, officials are also likely to check with an optician that a test has been carried out.
The DfT consultation reads: “Consideration is being given to a licence holder providing proof that they have attended an eye test, which would include confirming the outcome from whoever conducted the test.”
The DfT report adds: “We would require evidence of the outcome of the test within a set timeframe at each licence renewal. This could be provided by the licence holder, the person who conducts the test or both.”
Alongside this, the DfT stressed they could look to introduce a legal obligation on the person conducting the test to report test results directly to the DVLA. They explained that introducing a mandatory reporting requirement would give assurance that a licence holder meets the required vision to stay on the road.
At this stage, the DfT has provided few details about how tests would be administered. However, they have explained that officials are considering whether the new tests will be administered through opticians, the NHS or at bespoke test centres for driving eyesight tests.
Officials are also looking into whether the existing NHS eyesight tests can be used for the mandatory checks.
However, they explained that the current assessment only checks one element of the vision standards for driving, meaning these checks may not qualify. The DfT has promised to publish a summary of responses and a Government response once the consultation closes on May 11.
