Older drivers could be massively affected by new DVSA proposals with major changes potentially on the horizon.
Officials are “considering” changes to eyesight tests but experts warn this could have an impact on those later in life.
The DVSA is looking into updating vision exams during driving tests with learners only required to read a number plate from 20 m.
Simple changes could see the vision checks done in varying levels of light to see how potential motorists cope with different conditions.
However, eye specialists have warned older motorists may struggle in the dark compared to younger road users.
Although the updates will not affect older motorists who already have a licence, dozens still take their driving test later in life.
Tina Patel, contact lens optician at Feel Good Contacts warned testing an elderly motorist in low light will be “more difficult” for them compared to another person with younger eyes.
“The current eyesight test for driving does not take the driver’s night vision into consideration, peripheral vision, depth perception or colour vision. These aspects are considered essential for safe driving.
“Ageing can affect night driving in several ways. As we age, our pupils don’t dilate as much in the dark and shrink, this reduces the amount of light entering the eye, making it harder to see clearly at night.
“The cornea and lens within the eye become less clear as we age, causing light to scatter and increase glare. This can also lower contrast sensitivity, which is the ability to see subtle differences in bright light. This can make it difficult to see things on the road at night.
“Testing an elderly person’s vision in low light could be more difficult for them compared to a young person with healthy eyes.”
The DVSA outlined its plans in their 2023 to 2024 business plan document published at the end of last year.
The document made clear that the group were “considering how the eyesight test is administered during a driving test”.
The DVSA stressed they would engage with the DVLA’s Medical Panel to “ensure that any new procedures meet the current standards”.
Possible updates to the eyesight test were put to a public consultation with many road users backing the changes.
The DVSA said: “Most respondents supported the proposal to have more flexibility about how we conduct the eyesight test.
“The aim of the change is to provide more flexibility about when the driving test is conducted and in different levels of light.”
