Driving licence eye test?

[Harry Bloomfield]

No body seems to know very much about this yet, the over 65 eye test thingummy, not even the opticians. When does it start, has anyone done it, how are the doing it? I had an eye test yesterday, no problems, but nowt to do with the driving eye test. I took the opportunity to ask them, and they were just guessing that you would get a letter, when your licence needs renewing. All very confused... Anyone actually know?

 

[Wayners]

I think it's self-declaration. You tick a box on application form. Can you see ok it askes. You tick yeah. Off you go.. That's what a family member did

 

[MNW67]

At the moment, I think the government are just consulting on whether to introduce a mandatory three yearly eye test for drivers, starting at age 70.

 

[Diver Fred]

Well my opticians, a small family business, tells me at end of my last 3 eye tests/examination tells me my eyes are good to drive with; he also says if he didn't do he would request my licence and car keys as he wouldn't allow me to drive any more. Certainly gives me the impression he has a 'route' direct into the DVLA similar to a doctors.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I think it's self-declaration. You tick a box on application form. Can you see ok it askes. You tick yeah. Off you go.. That's what a family member did

That is what it was, in regard to fitness to drive, but now they are suggested to have introduced a more formal eye test for those of a certain age. It's just that no one seems to know much about it.

 

[Wayners]

Came in around August 2025. It's not compulsory yet although there is a tick on the application form.
My mother in law ticked the box but she can't see. She won't wear her glasses as she says she can see fine but she can't, so I don't see what improvements can be made. They will be taking pictures of people next to see if they have glasses on when driving.

 

[MNW67]

That is what it was, in regard to fitness to drive, but now they are suggested to have introduced a more formal eye test for those of a certain age. It's just that no one seems to know much about it.

It seems to still be out for consultation until 11 May this year:

Introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers

Seeks views on the proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers in Great Britain.

www.gov.uk

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Came in around August 2025. It's not compulsory yet although there is a tick on the application form.
My mother in law ticked the box but she can't see. She won't wear her glasses as she says she can see fine but she can't, so I don't see what improvements can be made. They will be taking pictures of people next to see if they have glasses on when driving.

It looks as if you are correct, it's still a ticky box declaration at the moment.... https://www.gov.uk/government/consu...-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers

That's changed since I last looked, when it suggested they were bringing it in.

 

[Brigadier]

Read the small print