Drivers face ‘compulsory’ new test to stay on roads

A total of 24% of drivers have not had their eyes tested in the past two years, according to a new survey commissioned by insurance company Churchill. The statistic comes amidst growing concerns over the lack of mandatory eye checks for drivers post-test.

In the UK, the only vision test required for drivers is reading a number plate from 20 metres away during their driving test. Despite the NHS advising biennial eye tests, there are no further compulsory checks.

Motorists are left to self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability. In April, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander received a report from Lancashire’s Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley, highlighting the tragic deaths of four individuals caused by drivers with poor eyesight.

These drivers had disregarded opticians’ advice that their deteriorating vision made them unfit to drive. The Churchill survey revealed that a staggering 83% of UK adults would back mandatory eye tests for drivers every ten years.

Support for this measure increases to 88% when considering sight tests every three years for drivers aged 70 and above. Worryingly, 12% of surveyed drivers confessed they either believed their vision was not roadworthy, or were uncertain about it.

Department for Transport statistics have disclosed a concerning rise in casualties linked to poor vision on Britain’s roads, with 240 injuries and seven fatalities reported in 2023 – the highest figure since 2017.

Nicholas Mantel, Churchill’s head of motor insurance, said: “It seems surprising that UK drivers never need to prove that their eyesight is safe enough for driving once they have passed their driving test.

“What is even more remarkable is that some people continue to drive despite suspecting that their eyesight isn’t good enough – or are doing so without wearing their prescription lenses or glasses.

“Our research suggests that there’s overwhelming public support to make our roads safer by introducing compulsory eyesight tests for drivers.”

The Department for Transport has been mulling an array of strategies to augment road safety, including requiring older drivers to undergo eye tests, a suggestion that Ms Alexander has shown willingness to consider in her discourse with the Commons Transport Select Committee.

A DfT spokesperson said: “Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.

“The NHS recommends adults should have their eyes tested every two years and drivers are legally required to inform the DVLA if they have a condition which affects their eyesight.

“We are committed to improving road safety and continue to explore ways to achieve this.”

The survey was carried out by research firm Opinium from May 20 to 23, with a sample of 2,000 UK adults, of which 1,312 were motorists.