Older motorists in the United Kingdom will be required to undergo new driving tests starting in 2026, according to updated regulations from the Labour government. This significant change is part of a broader road safety strategy set to be published on March 6, 2024, marking the most substantial update since the Road Safety Act introduced by former Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2006.
The revised strategy includes not only stricter alcohol limits but also introduces a mandatory vision test for all drivers aged 70 and over. They will need to have their eyesight checked every three years as part of the government’s efforts to enhance road safety. Data from The Times indicates that approximately 24% of the 1,633 drivers who died in traffic accidents in 2024 were 70 years or older.
In addition, older drivers accounted for 12% of all casualties in car crashes, including 28,000 individuals who sustained serious injuries. Edmund King, president of the Automobile Association (AA), voiced support for the mandatory eye tests, stating, “The likelihood of crashes increases once someone is over the age of 70, and markedly shoots up over the age of 80 to a peak at age 86, with eyesight often a worrying factor.”
In a concerning trend, a recent coroner’s report highlighted a 70% decline in drivers self-reporting four major eye conditions—diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration—between 2019 and 2023. Currently, the UK is one of only three countries in Europe that relies on drivers to report their own eye issues to authorities.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood emphasized the importance of balancing road safety with the independence of older citizens. “Driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently,” she said, “but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads. As the country’s older population grows, our plans will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.”
Along with the new vision tests, the Labour government is also planning to double the fines for driving without valid insurance, increasing the penalty from £300 to £600. Current estimates suggest there are around 300,000 uninsured motorists in the UK. Greenwood stated, “Our Road Safety Strategy sends a clear message: if you drive uninsured, you will face the consequences.”
She further noted that driving without insurance is not a victimless crime. “It pushes up the cost of premiums for the law-abiding majority, and when uninsured drivers are involved in crashes, innocent road users are left facing an uphill battle to get the compensation they deserve. That’s why we are taking decisive action to remove uninsured drivers from our roads—to keep our roads safe and ensure those who flout the rules are held accountable.”
As these changes loom, the Labour government aims to enhance road safety while addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. The new tests and regulations reflect a commitment to not only protect vulnerable road users but also foster a culture of responsibility among all drivers.
