Driving: Eyesight

We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they meet the required vision standards for driving, including the use of glasses or corrective lenses where necessary. The DVLA provides clear guidance on eyesight requirements for driving, which is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

Although there is no legal obligation on medical professionals to notify the DVLA about a patient who is medically unfit to drive, they do have a duty to report this if it is in the public interest to do so. The General Medical Council and General Optical Council guidance confirms that it is appropriate to notify the DVLA directly, even if the patient does not consent when their patient is unwilling or unable to notify the DVLA themselves.

In the Road Safety Strategy, the Government committed to continue engaging with the relevant regulatory bodies to highlight the importance of healthcare professionals notifying DVLA if their patient is unwilling or unable to notify.

There are currently no plans to require drivers to carry a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle. The existing legal framework places responsibility on individual drivers to ensure they can meet the vision standards whenever they are driving. Driving without meeting these standards, including where glasses or corrective lenses are needed but not worn, is an offence and may result in enforcement action.