New calls for over 70s to face test 'every two years' to stay on roads

Campaigners are demanding new rule changes which would see older drivers above the age of 70 forced to take tests to keep their driving licence and remain on the roads. Under current rules, motorists only need to self-certify to the DVLA that they are fit to drive to renew their licence later inr life.

There are no formal checks on motorists' ability behind the wheel or even whether they can see the road safely. A new Parliament petition, created by David Powell, hopes to change this by calling for the introduction of "compulsory eye tests" every 24 months. The rule would see GPs or optics manually informed by the DVLA of any possible eyesight issues and takes the responsibility away from the road user.

The petition reads: "We want the government to introduce legislation to require all people over 70 to have a compulsory eye test every 2 years. We want it to be made mandatory for GPs or Opticians to notify DVLA if a person's eyesight does not meet the minimum requirements to drive a car.

"My reasoning in making it mandatory for the GP/Optician to notify the [DVLA] is that there is no mechanism for the [DVLA] to check eyesight results.

"I understand that currently, it's up to the individual to notify the DVLA. That's why I want GPs/Opticians to notify them instead of the individual. To me, it makes more sense."

The survey has currently received just over 100 signatures with 10,000 needed for an official Government response.

A staggering 100,000 signatures are required for the topic to be debated by politicians in Parliament. However, the poll still has months to run, with the survey not set to close until November.

Earlier this year, Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, described the UK licence system as the "laxest in Europe", sparking calls for change. Rob Heard, founder of the Older Drivers Forum, has been advocating for the introduction of mandatory eyesight checks for a while.

The expert previously said: "People's sight deteriorates gradually, often without them being aware and often without them realising their sight may have fallen below the legal limit.

"Regular sight tests with an optometrist are an effective way of not only making sure we are safe to drive on the road, but also detecting medical conditions early so they can be treated, potentially extending a person's driving career."