Government plans compulsory eye tests for over 70's

I have an annual eye test due to one parent having glaucoma…..if the optician says ‘stop driving’ that’s exactly what I’ll do! No ifs, no buts, no claims to only drive locally! Local driving leads to complacency and ultimately the potential to ‘take your eye off the ball’ because you’ve driven that route countless times and there’s never anything coming out of that junction…..until the day there is!

Exactly how the proposals will be policed is a different kettle of fish

There was a TV programme on a while ago in Channel 5's Cause of Death series, called Licence to Kill. It featured elderly drivers who had all been told by their doctors that their eyesight was not good enough to drive, but lied on the DVLA forms and carried on driving. All went on to kill pedestrians/other drivers. It was a shocking programme.

I gave up driving at about 65 because I knew I wasn’t safe. When I was about 77 the optician said I could legally drive despite having one useable eye, being blinded by sunlight, needing 3 pairs of glasses, seeing double and having had 4 operations on my eyes.
So much for the legal requirements.

Grantanow

fancyflowers

I have just received my over 70s application for a licence, but I don't think I will renew it.

I hate driving anyway, and I will continue to use Ubers when I want to go anywhere.

We don't have Ubers in the countryside and our rural bus services are almost invisible thanks to the Tory cuts. Government seems to have no idea about rural conditions.

It's not really the Government's responsibility to make sure you can get around. If you can't drive for any reason then you would do better to live in a town or city with good transport links. That's what I've done, taking into account access to buses, trains, shops, hospital, dentist and doctor, plus anything else you consider essential.

All drivers should be able to see well enough to drive. Bring the plan in by all means but for all drivers. Eyesight problems are not confined to the over 70s.

The proposal that people over 70 should have eye tests every three years is a ridiculous idea. Eye sight can deteriorate over only a few months, Eye tests should be every year not three years.

I think everyone over 80 should have a retest of their driving. When I was approaching 80 last year, I decided to have a mock driving test with a driving instructor.
I left messages with two local firms, but neither got back to me. I can only imagine this is because there were a lot of young people after Covid wanting to learn. I will have another try now.
Meanwhile, there are friends of my age and older whose driving I wouldn't trust. It's not just eyesight, it's reaction, reduced awareness of traffic and diminution of skill in handling the vehicle. DS trusts me so far, and I trust him to tell me when to STOP.

Who are these super-humans who have absolutely no eye problems and are over 70? Whatever they're on, please can I have some? I can't imagine NOT having a test every year!

Everyone should have a regular eye test. Specsavers’ boast is that they can detect problems with your eyes 4 years before you notice them.
Once you have glasses you get a reminder, but until then, it’s up to you.

theworriedwell

LizzieDrip

Are you seriously suggesting that people who cannot see properly should be allowed to drive just because they live somewhere rural

No that’s not what I’m suggesting.

I think your point was clear.

You said that you are not opposed to it. I don't know why anyone assumes that you ARE opposed to it and they are prepared to pile on to you for it.

RTFP before replying, posters, please.

Two older relatives have said they’re going to stop driving now rather than have an eye test only to be told they must do so. Methinks they know they shouldn’t have been on the road anyway. Why wait for the government to step in.

I think every driver, regardless of age, should be required to have an eye test but that's not going to happen any time soon. Cars have the potential to be lethal weapons. People tend to forget that.

Dowsabella

Thanks Devorgilla
I am now responding to the survey! DH has different opinions, but he is no longer driving 😉

Sorry, that was meant for Graphite! I copied the wrong name 🫣

theworriedwell Because her/his argument is so flawed!

Very odd post? I’ve recently moved from London to a rural area, no one uses indicators and generally the driving is very bad

Thanks Devorgilla
I am now responding to the survey! DH has different opinions, but he is no longer driving 😉

If you fail the test you if you drive ,will lose your driving licence
Mick

I have had an eye test every year and always ask if my eyes are still fit for driving. Ditto with my medical health when I see a doctor now I am in my latter years. I have no issue with the Government/DVLA tightening up but at least let us know so we can provide the necessary information when we apply for renewal. Also, if more people are being scrutinised for medical reasons once they reach the magical age of 80, give DVLA the staffing to do it efficiently and in time for the renewal. I have no problem either with young drivers being made to slow down for a year and restricting passengers. Makes sense to me. It upsets me to read of young people being wiped out because of inexperience. Heart breaking.

We need bus services that are as flexible and easy as a car especially in rural and semi- rural areas. Surely with artificial intelligence its possible to programme buses to drop passengers at their homes and pick them up there too.

The main problem I have is the lrd lights and my daughter in her 20's has the same.
I have driving glasses that fit over my prescription glasses perfectly and also a clip on version.
I had a eye test at 70 and my licence renewed till 2028, I have an eye test annually anyway.
Can't see a problem with uk rules sounds a step in the right direction.
Recently an elderly gent drove into a young mum on a bridge on a rural road here, she didn't survive, so a medical should also be on the cards too

Good idea, but not just older people. Anyone above the age of forty should have an annual eye test, it’s important for everyone to have healthy eyes.

Quizzer

An acquaintance has been okayed to drive by her optician. She did not have a full eye test, but was asked to read a number plate fixed to a wall in the car park.
She has macular degeneration and is having injections. Her central vision is very poor and yet she is still driving. This is added to the fact that she was an unsafe driver before - she has had convictions and fines. She has been reported to the DVLA but has not been banned.
What happens if she causes a serious accident?

DM (92) had a bleed in one eye (not MD apparently) and a series of injections which have stopped any further damage. But she has lost central vision in that eye. This makes reading and other close work difficult, but her distance vision is unaffected. She has been told by her hospital consultant and her optician that her vision easily meets the standard for driving and that there is no reason to stop driving on account of the eye issue. She is more sensitive to glare and is careful about planning journeys if it is a very bright day. She has not driven at night for a long time.

Your aquaintance clearly has a poor driving record (whereas I think that since DD died and DM drives more regularly, her driving is improved). This is a separate issue - the eyesight change alone might not be a barrier to continuing to drive - but in this case it might tip the balance given that they are anyway a poor driver. Of course, the optician can't make a judgement on this.

We see reckless drivers all the time - unfortunately, age is not always a cure for this kind of selfish behaviour that puts others at risk. Regulation is necessary but as others have said, it doesn't need to be onerous. And everyone over 60 should be have periodic (free) eye tests to rule out a whole range of other potential health risks - it is a screening programme like any other.

Actually I think it should be a requirement for all drivers.

paddyann54

De tal checks are more regular ,every six months

If you can find a dentist. Presumably those living in the central belt can, here in the north east things are different.

Every driver should have an eye test NOT just anyone over 70!