Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Zöe Franklin (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 March 2026. It was answered by Lilian Greenwood (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Driving Licences: Older People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has held discussions with optical providers on participation in a scheme for eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over renewing their licence; and whether she is taking steps to ensure that any such scheme allows certification by any suitably qualified optician rather than a single provider.

Answer

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. Alongside the strategy, we launched five consultations including a consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers. We welcome responses from optometrists and optometrist organisations to the consultations.

On 24 February, I chaired a roundtable meeting on eyesight and older drivers which involved representatives from the optical sector and optometrist organisations to discuss mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers.

Department officials have also met with various optometrist organisations (including the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists) while developing the proposed changes to eyesight testing for older drivers.

We will continue to engage with optometrist organisations as our policies develop further.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
119755
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Eyesight Older people Testing Driving licences
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk