We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they meet the required vision standards for driving, including the use of glasses or corrective lenses where necessary. The DVLA provides clear guidance on eyesight requirements for driving, which is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

Although there is no legal obligation on medical professionals to notify the DVLA about a patient who is medically unfit to drive, they do have a duty to report this if it is in the public interest to do so. The General Medical Council and General Optical Council guidance confirms that it is appropriate to notify the DVLA directly, even if the patient does not consent when their patient is unwilling or unable to notify the DVLA themselves.

In the Road Safety Strategy, the Government committed to continue engaging with the relevant regulatory bodies to highlight the importance of healthcare professionals notifying DVLA if their patient is unwilling or unable to notify.

There are currently no plans to require drivers to carry a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle. The existing legal framework places responsibility on individual drivers to ensure they can meet the vision standards whenever they are driving. Driving without meeting these standards, including where glasses or corrective lenses are needed but not worn, is an offence and may result in enforcement action.

We recently consulted on introducing mandatory eye tests for drivers aged 70 and over. The consultation closed on 11 May and we are now analysing the responses received. The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

All drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure that they meet the required vision standards for driving, including the use of glasses or corrective lenses where necessary. The DVLA provides clear guidance on eyesight requirements for driving, which is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

Although there is no legal obligation on medical professionals to notify the DVLA about a patient who is medically unfit to drive, they do have a duty to report this if it is in the public interest to do so. The General Medical Council and General Optical Council guidance confirms that it is appropriate to notify the DVLA directly, even if the patient does not consent when their patient is unwilling or unable to notify the DVLA themselves.

In the Road Safety Strategy, the Government committed to continue engaging with the relevant regulatory bodies to highlight the importance of healthcare professionals notifying DVLA if their patient is unwilling or unable to notify.

There are currently no plans to require drivers to carry a spare pair of glasses in their vehicle. The existing legal framework places responsibility on individual drivers to ensure they can meet the vision standards whenever they are driving. Driving without meeting these standards, including where glasses or corrective lenses are needed but not worn, is an offence and may result in enforcement action.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning National Health Service sight testing services and for considering how any identified inequalities in access to services should be addressed. Guidance issued by the College of Optometrists sets out that when examining patients with learning difficulties, optometrists should use tests that are appropriate to the patient’s needs.

Children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism are also eligible for free NHS sight tests, where ICBs are commissioning a service within a special educational setting.

Adults with learning disabilities may qualify for free NHS sight tests under existing exemptions, including being in receipt of income-related benefits or through the NHS Low Income Scheme. There are no plans to change eligibility for NHS sight tests.

All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if at any time they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

The DVLA will investigate those drivers who notify them of a medical condition and will only issue a driving licence to them if they can meet the appropriate medical standards.

A public consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers was launched on 7 January and closed on 11 May.

The Department for Transport is currently analysing the responses, and the government response will be published once that is complete.

The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

While the consultation focused on the mandatory eyesight testing of drivers aged 70 and over, we also recognise that as the population ages, more will need to be done to address the challenges this poses and consideration will also be given in the future to other fitness to drive measures, such as cognitive assessments.

All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if at any time they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

The DVLA will investigate those drivers who notify them of a medical condition and will only issue a driving licence to them if they can meet the appropriate medical standards.

A public consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers was launched on 7 January and closed on 11 May.

The Department for Transport is currently analysing the responses, and the government response will be published once that is complete.

The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

While the consultation focused on the mandatory eyesight testing of drivers aged 70 and over, we also recognise that as the population ages, more will need to be done to address the challenges this poses and consideration will also be given in the future to other fitness to drive measures, such as cognitive assessments.

A public consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers was launched on 7 January and closed on 11 May.

The Department for Transport is currently analysing the responses, and the government response will be published once that is complete.

The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

Drivers who notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of an underlying medical condition that may affect their vision are required to have a visual field test conducted.

Examinations by Specsavers are carried out to the exact specifications required to enable the DVLA to assess whether the visual field requirements for driving can be met.

If drivers choose to get your eyesight test from somewhere else, you can submit the results of an eyesight test done by another optician as long as it includes an ‘Esterman visual test’. DVLA do not guarantee they will accept an eyesight test done by other opticians.

Information about driving eyesight rules can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules.

The DVLA’s contract with Specsavers for vision testing services provides coverage across Great Britain. Specsavers is working to increase the number of stores available to carry out eyesight tests. In the meantime Specsavers may also utilise local opticians for customers who live more than 25 miles from their nearest Specsavers branch, for example those living in rural or semi-rural areas.

A public consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers was launched on 7 January and closed on 11 May.

National Health Service sight testing contracts can be held by specific individuals, including those practising in partnerships or corporate bodies meeting the requirements set out in The General Ophthalmic Services Contracts Regulations 2008.

The commissioning of enhanced eye care services falls within the scope of the Provider Selection Regime, which integrated care boards must follow when procuring healthcare services.

The consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers closed on 11 May. The Department for Transport is currently analysing the responses, and the government response will be published once that is complete.

The logistical arrangements for carrying out any potential new eyesight tests formed part of the consultation. No decisions will be made until the responses to the consultation have been carefully considered.

Free National Health Service sight tests are provided by community optometrists to eligible groups, including children, people aged 60 years old and over, people on low incomes, and those at risk of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism are also eligible for free NHS sight tests, where integrated care boards are commissioning a service within a special educational setting.

Adults may qualify under existing exemptions, including being in receipt of income-related benefits or through the NHS low-income scheme.

The driver licensing framework in Great Britain is designed to be balanced and proportionate. Drivers of all ages are legally required to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they develop a medical condition, or if an existing condition worsens, that may affect their ability to drive.

Driving licences expire at the age of 70 and must be renewed every three years thereafter. This renewal process provides a regular opportunity for older drivers to consider their health and fitness to drive, recognising that health and vision may deteriorate with age.

All drivers are responsible for ensuring that they meet the statutory eyesight standards, including the use of corrective lenses where required. Where a driver declares a medical condition that may affect vision, the DVLA may require a vision assessment, which can be accessed for free at Specsavers. These examinations are conducted in accordance with DVLA specifications to determine whether the legal visual standards are met. Drivers can submit the results of an eyesight test done by another optician as long as it includes an ‘Esterman visual test’.

Depending on the outcome of the assessment and the information provided, a driver may retain their licence, be issued with a time-limited licence subject to ongoing review, or where an individual does not meet the required standards, their driving licence will be revoked or their application refused.

Further information on the eyesight standards for driving is available on the GOV.UK website at: https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules. The Department for Transport is currently consulting on proposals to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over. Further details are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-safety-strategy and https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/introducing-mandatory-eyesight-testing-for-older-drivers.

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.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) already include clear messaging on the required eyesight standards for driving and the importance of regular eyesight tests on reminders, application forms, information leaflets and online guidance provided as part of the driving licence renewal process.

The published guidance also sets out the legal requirement to be able to read a number plate at 20 metres, to meet the minimum visual acuity and visual field standards for driving and the requirement to notify the DVLA of any relevant eye conditions.

Both Department for Transport and Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency officials have worked with officials from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) while developing the proposed changes to eyesight testing for older drivers, and we will continue to engage with the DHSC as our policies develop further.

The Department for Transport fully supports the NHS’s recommendation that adults should have their eyes tested every two years.

All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

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.

Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.

There are no plans to replace the number‑plate eyesight test.

All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of the strategy, we launched a consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over.

Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.

All drivers, regardless of age, have a legal responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if they develop a medical condition that may affect their ability to drive.

On 7 January 2026 we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. As part of the strategy, we launched a consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged 70 and over.

Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.

Following an open and fair competition, the current contract for Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) required eyesight tests was awarded to Specsavers in February 2025 and commenced on 1 April 2025. The contract is for three years, with the option to extend for two further oneyear periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract period. ‑year periods. The DVLA will consider its future requirements for eyesight testing prior to the expiry of the current contract.

The DVLA will consider the results of vision tests carried out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist other than Specsavers. However, such arrangements are at an individual’s own expense and the test must be carried out to the required specifications. If the test does not meet the appropriate specifications, the applicant may still be asked to attend a further examination with Specsavers.

At the age of 70, drivers must renew their entitlement, and at most, every three years after that. This provides a timely reminder to individuals to consider their health in the context of driving. To renew their entitlement, they must make a legal declaration, via self-certification, that they can meet the legal eyesight standards required to drive and confirm whether they have any medical condition which may affect their fitness to drive.

On 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all road users including older drivers. Alongside the strategy, we launched a consultation on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers.

A summary of the evidence underpinning the need for mandatory eyesight testing is included in the ‘safety impacts of mandatory eyesight testing’ section of the consultation document.

Once the consultation has concluded, we will publish our response in due course.