Government plans compulsory eye tests for over 70's

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.

eazybee

It is sensible, but I hope the government also takes action about the increasing use of dazzling headlights and those wrongly positioned; my optician told me of increasing concern about the dangers these pose at my recent eye-test.

I will be 77 next month. The answer to dazzling headlights is not to look directly at them, but look straight ahead.

Modern headlights are SO much better for drivers than those I had in my 1961 Mini, back in the day. At least I can see where I'm going these days! 😉🤣

But ensuring good eyesight, is a step in the right direction, and if the proposal is successful, then perhaps, using new technology, reaction times may also be checked out.

I think it's a good plan, but I agree that a test for reactions is necessary too. There's no point having good vision if you're a hesitant dithering driver.

OldFrill, have you asked at Boots or Specsavers for a hearing test?

Grammaretto

I agree there should be regular eye tests for everyone who drives. I can see so much better since my cataracts were sorted.

However, to my horror I have just realised my driving licence has expired. There's no reminder any more so does that mean it will be difficult to get another one?

Where I live I have a choice of 5 buses which run every 20 minutes every day except Christmas day.
I'm going to downsize soon and my priority is location. Much as I love the idea of a rural idyllic, I am realistic. I'll save that for holidays.

That's funny my husband got a reminder just before Christmas that his ends in March.

Farzanah

My optician says that “night driving” yellow tinted glasses which are not prescription and can be bought over the internet, are not safe, because they actually reduce vision. Prescription tinted glasses can be helpful in reducing glare.

I have been told that too. A friend who bought a pair said the glare was just as bad except it was yellow.

No matter how good your eyesight, if you put your foot on the accelerator instead of the brake this will cause serious and possibly fatal problems. Co-ordination and reflexes also need to be tested.

With modern apps and AI it should be quick and easy to test these along with eyesight in a driving test booth, taking maybe 15 mins. But you just know some people will protest at the unfairness of having to be tested.

Here in the Republic of Ireland I have had an eye test at every renewal of my driving license now it has been up graded to renewal every 3 years and now with an examination by an optician instead of the GP.
The local communities have a bus to town at least twice a week into town by the shops and return in 2 hours to home (free)

paddyann54

I live in Scotland where eye tests are offered to everyone every two years as are dental checks the preventative are free at point of use ( I hesitate to say free because I always get jumped on as ots paid by the taxpayer)
The regular checks catch problems early and effectively can save money and lives .
As I am from a family who has a history of glaucoma I have had yearly eye tests ( on the taxpayer) since my mid thirties .

Approximately 84% of the population in England qualify for free eye tests. Anyone with a susceptibility to disease will be tested as regularly as considered necessary, at no charge.
Don't get me started on the 3 year wait to see an audiologist in Scotland, absolutely shocking.

paddyann54

De tal checks are more regular ,every six months

The frequency of free dental checks in Scotland is at the discretion of the dentist and range from 2 years to 6 months. Since 2023 the norm has been yearly. Good luck finding an NHS dentist in Scotland, like gold dust.

My optician says that “night driving” yellow tinted glasses which are not prescription and can be bought over the internet, are not safe, because they actually reduce vision. Prescription tinted glasses can be helpful in reducing glare.

I have been driving without a valid licence for ages Cressy! Good to know I can apply and as paddyann says, here in Scotland we get eye tests every 2 years.

How will it happen? I think the tests will happen ever 3 years, as you update your license.
We will find out soon.

My husband is nearly 80. He has twice yearly eye tests as he is diabetic. He has had a cataract removed.
His eye sight is good but he doesn't drive unless he has to. He has bought some of those anti glare glasses for the rare occasions when he drives at night. They help.

Grammaretto

I agree there should be regular eye tests for everyone who drives. I can see so much better since my cataracts were sorted.

However, to my horror I have just realised my driving licence has expired. There's no reminder any more so does that mean it will be difficult to get another one?

Where I live I have a choice of 5 buses which run every 20 minutes every day except Christmas day.
I'm going to downsize soon and my priority is location. Much as I love the idea of a rural idyllic, I am realistic. I'll save that for holidays.

Grammaretto . I also realised when I woke up last! I applied successfully online this morning but cannot drive until I receive my new licence. If you apply before your licence expires ( (or if your licence expires before you receive your new one ) you can continue to drive. I have never received reminders about renewing my licence but my husband always gets one. 🤷‍♀️

Long overdue. I was shocked at how low the requirements are. I have voluntarily given up driving because I feel my eyesight is too poor to do so safely as I cannot read road notices until nearly on top of them even with my glasses on. I have my eyes checked regularly and the optician said I am still legal to drive!

Im hanging on for a driverless car; problem sorted.

Can't see (sorry for that pun) why it's a problem?
In fact I think it should be earlier. My sister was only in her 50's when an Optician picked up she had Cataracts in both eyes, she thought she just needed glasses.
I have mine done every year but I have worn glasses since I was 5..

I agree people who drive need to meet certain standards ( and that applies to all ages) but rural bus ( and taxi if you can afford it) servuces are almost nonexistent where I and many others live. Labour tends to forget we dont all live in London or Manchester.

I have never felt old, always mixed with old and young. I have my eyesight regulatory checked, still don't need glasses, also my hearing is good. Reflexed are good. Why is everyone now over 70 deemed to be gaga. I do know people who won’t give up their cars when old as they are bad drivers but they were useless when younger anyway and just plain selfish now. You either die earlier when wanted or live too long and judged.

GrannyGravy13

LizzieDrip I apologise if I have misunderstood the premise of your post.

Accepted. No problem.

De tal checks are more regular ,every six months

LizzieDrip I apologise if I have misunderstood the premise of your post.

I live in Scotland where eye tests are offered to everyone every two years as are dental checks the preventative are free at point of use ( I hesitate to say free because I always get jumped on as ots paid by the taxpayer)
The regular checks catch problems early and effectively can save money and lives .
As I am from a family who has a history of glaucoma I have had yearly eye tests ( on the taxpayer) since my mid thirties .