Petition Seeks to Block Age-Specific Eye Tests for Drivers Over 70, Calls for Equal Rules for All Ages

A parliamentary petition calls on ministers to drop plans for compulsory eyesight tests aimed solely at drivers aged 70 and over. GB News reported that the petition, launched by Kathleen Cavanagh in March, argues any new vision requirements must apply equally to motorists of all ages. The petition has gathered 1,352 signatures and stays open until September 25.

It states that drivers over 70 already renew licences every three years and must declare medical conditions that could affect driving. If it reaches 10,000 signatures the government must respond officially, and 100,000 signatures could trigger a parliamentary debate. The petition follows a Department for Transport consultation that ended in May.

That review sought views from the public, road safety groups and industry experts on options including tests every three years with licence renewal or at ages 75, 80 or 85, without endorsing any single approach. Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the government aims to keep older people independent while protecting road safety.

Current rules require motorists in Great Britain to renew licences at 70 and every three years thereafter, with drivers declaring they meet eyesight standards but without needing confirmation from a doctor or optician.

GB News reported that licence holders aged 70 and above rose about 60 per cent between November 2012 and May 2025, reaching roughly 6.3 million. Around two million renew each year, with the total projected to approach seven million by 2030. Official figures showed 1,224 older car drivers killed or seriously injured in 2024, accounting for 24 per cent of all car drivers killed that year.