Government plans compulsory eye tests for over 70's

I agree there should be regular eye tests for everyone who drives. I can see so much better since my cataracts were sorted.

However, to my horror I have just realised my driving licence has expired. There's no reminder any more so does that mean it will be difficult to get another one?

Where I live I have a choice of 5 buses which run every 20 minutes every day except Christmas day.
I'm going to downsize soon and my priority is location. Much as I love the idea of a rural idyllic, I am realistic. I'll save that for holidays.

I think it’s a good idea . I wear glasses and have yearly eye checks . I also think tests should be carried out regarding reactions and reflexes plus cognitive abilities. I’m not sure how this could be carried out .
There was a story recently of an elderly lady who exited a motorway service station and drove the wrong way on the slip road onto the motorway .

Chestnut

It isn't just eyesight that needs to be tested, it's reflexes and co-ordination. The brain needs to be able to send a message to the arms or legs within a fraction of a second, to enable a quick response. Older drivers frequently put their foot on the accelerator instead of the brake, and this is the result. In one case I remember a young child was killed from a driver doing this.

Good post.
Eyesight is only one part of the whole picture. All of us who are still driving past 70 must be honest with ourselves about our standard of driving.
For myself, I stopped driving on motorways over a year ago because I don't drive at high speeds, so I am a liability on a motorway. Over the Christmas period I made a decision and have left 3 of my groups because they are some distance away and I no longer feel confident driving at night with the increasing number of vehicles with glaring lights.
I am happy with my daytime driving and can still negotiate roundabouts etc properly. However, if the time comes when I can't then I hope I will give up my keys gracefully for my good and that of others.

I agree everyone over 70 should have an eye test to drive. I have had my cataracts done and noticed in general conversation that many people think this means you don’t need glasses. I do for driving and television. I have a feeling mobility should be checked as well but are there enough people to organise that.

It isn't just eyesight that needs to be tested, it's reflexes and co-ordination. The brain needs to be able to send a message to the arms or legs within a fraction of a second, to enable a quick response. Older drivers frequently put their foot on the accelerator instead of the brake, and this is the result. In one case I remember a young child was killed from a driver doing this.

I think that this is a sensible idea. I wear glasses, so have my eyes tested regularly, but I am aware of people like me, in their seventies, who have never had an eye test. Some will have increasingly poor sight, but will be unaware of it, as any decline might be slow and imperceptible. Potentially, such drivers put themselves, and others, at risk, unwittingly.
When I renewed my license, at seventy, the form simply required me to declare that my eyesight was good- not the most robust of systems, I felt.

My husband can’t drive due to cognitive and visual impairments, I never learned and never wanted to, luckily we have really good public transport options where we live.
Tbh I think most people over 70 do have eye tests, after all they are free.

We have sight tests every year, the last time DH had his he was told he was on the boundary of safe driving and he has said as soon as he goes over that boundary he will give up driving. He is having his first cataract procedure on January 12th which may improve things. I am fine to drive although I dislike it and if I go out alone I tend to take the bus, we are fortunate enough to have a bus stop a three minute walk away and buses every 15 minutes.

LizzieDrip

^Are you seriously suggesting that people who cannot see properly should be allowed to drive just because they live somewhere rural^

No that’s not what I’m suggesting.

I didn’t think you were suggesting this, I read this as improvements must be made to public transport.

eazybee

It is sensible, but I hope the government also takes action about the increasing use of dazzling headlights and those wrongly positioned; my optician told me of increasing concern about the dangers these pose at my recent eye-test.

I believe the govt is looking into these headlights.

About time, eye tests are free and are needed where I live due to the elderly population. Car park spaces are too narrow in most car parks.

Eye tests are a very good idea

My father’s driving was very poor at 70 he couldn’t read the form to renew his licence, we made him get an eye test, he had macular degeneration and was a blind as a bat.

My brother has the same problem and has stopped driving at 72, I’m the lucky one mine are OK even at night.

Thank you theworriedwell.

eazybee

It is sensible, but I hope the government also takes action about the increasing use of dazzling headlights and those wrongly positioned; my optician told me of increasing concern about the dangers these pose at my recent eye-test.

My DH discussed this with the optician who said they sell specific night glasses to help with these bright headlights. Apparently you can buy cheap versions but the ones from the optician are far better.

LizzieDrip

^Are you seriously suggesting that people who cannot see properly should be allowed to drive just because they live somewhere rural^

No that’s not what I’m suggesting.

I think your point was clear.

Are you seriously suggesting that people who cannot see properly should be allowed to drive just because they live somewhere rural

No that’s not what I’m suggesting.

I'm not sure why LizzieDrip is getting g such a hard time. There does need to be some plans for improved buses in some areas.

Where I live weve just got a great new service because of a new housing development. If I'm going in to town now I get the bus, free with my pass, no worries about finding and paying for parking. Lots of people would be more up for stopping driving if there were better services. I had my eye test three months ago and my sight is fine but the bus is a great option now.

I'm not sure if I shall ever be driving in the UK again but I'm wondering if my license will be accepted if I hire a car over there. My UK licence is hopelessly out of date and I have used my German licence for years when hiring a car and driving in the UK. For the German licence so far we don't need an eye test.

Crossed posts M0nica,
Apologies

LizzieDrip

I’m not opposed to the idea but it may leave many older folk isolated, particularly in rural areas.

Will more bus services run so that people can get out and about - I doubt it🤔

I for one do not want anyone, regardless of age driving on the roads with inadequate eyesight just because there are not many/any local buses.

I find your post rather scary.

I’m not opposed to the idea but it may leave many older folk isolated, particularly in rural areas.

Whilst this is true, I'm not sure it's part of the road safety argument,or relevant.

If you can't meet the eyesight limits/rules you should not be driving - just as you have to be able to perform an emergency stop.
It is eyesight that is regularly found to be at fault when "elderly" people have driving incidents.

LizzieDrip

I’m not opposed to the idea but it may leave many older folk isolated, particularly in rural areas.

Will more bus services run so that people can get out and about - I doubt it🤔

Are you seriously suggesting that people who cannot see properly should be allowed to drive just because they live somewhere rural? People with inadequate eyesight are not protected from causing accidents that can kill or disable other people, just because they live in a rural area.

I am delighted to see this measure come in and will be even happier when the cognition test comes in as well..

I’m not opposed to the idea but it may leave many older folk isolated, particularly in rural areas.

Will more bus services run so that people can get out and about - I doubt it🤔

It is sensible, but I hope the government also takes action about the increasing use of dazzling headlights and those wrongly positioned; my optician told me of increasing concern about the dangers these pose at my recent eye-test.

In answer to the OP's question, yes, very likely.
I have regular check ups at the optician's anyway but it makes sense to check any elderly driver's sight.
For too long the DVLA have taken on trust that we are honest when ticking the health questionnaire boxes.