Drivers aged 70 and over could be banned from driving even if they pass an eye test.
Under new plans being drawn up by the DVLA, drivers could be made to take mandatory eye exams in order to retain their licence once they hit 70 years old. The rule change, set to be announced later this year according to reports, is a bid to make roads safer but older drivers have hit back at the plans. A new requirement being prepared by the Transport Secretary could make eye tests for the over-70s compulsory when they renew their driving licence every three years.
One driver who has already fallen foul of eye test rules is legendary actor Christopher Biggins, according to a report in the Daily Mail.
The former I’m A Celebrity star, 76, has been banned from driving after failing an eye test. He says he received a letter 10 days after his eye exam telling him that he had failed his test and would not be getting his driving licence reinstated.
After the blow, Biggins booked himself more eye tests in a bid to overturn the ban. He went to Homerton Hospital, who gave him a clean bill of health and another eye test.
Two doctors then gave Biggins signed letters pleading his case to the DVLA, but these were rejected, with Biggins told the medical proof “does not show you are able to meet the required medical standards for driving.” In this way, the new rules could see older drivers unable to overturn a failed eye test, even if they take further eye tests.
Biggins told the Mail: “How can they disregard a hospital doctor and another optician? It has left me very depressed. I travel a lot and I need to drive.
“Not long distance, for that I take the train. It is costing me a fortune in taxis. It is very unfair. I’m absolutely infuriated with their ‘computer says no’ attitude.”
When contacted by the Daily Mail, a DVLA spokesperson said: “While we cannot comment on individual cases, all drivers must meet minimum eyesight standards to drive a vehicle.
“Whether a driver meets the eyesight standards can be tested through various means, including visual field and acuity, depending on the circumstances. These standards apply to all drivers and, if someone does not meet the required standards they cannot be allowed on the road.”
Earlier this year, coroner Dr Adeley criticised the current driving licence system for enforcing visual standards as “ineffective, unsafe and unfit”. He made the comments at the inquests of Marie Cunningham, 79, Grace Foulds, 85, Peter Westwell, 80, and Anne Ferguson, 75, at Preston Coroner’s Court – all of whom were killed by drivers with failing eyesight, according to the BBC.
Current DVLA rules state everyone aged over 70 must renew their driving licence, and update their photograph, every three years.
When you renew, the government says you must tell the DVLA if you have a problem with your eyesight. Under new rules, eye tests could become compulsory when your licence is renewed.
Plans also include reducing the drink-driving limit in both England and Wales to be in line with Scotland’s laws, and giving people points on their licence for not wearing a seatbelt.