Driving Eye Tests

[basil6345789]

Is it not an existing legal requirement for drivers of any age to have compliant eyesight standards, or you're off the road? More administrative costs, I fear. They'd be better off doing more coke-head drivers.

[bobinho]

And the dope heads. The amount of vehicles I follow and the drivers banging out a spliff is unbelievable.

Top tip: if you are involved in an accident and you think it’s NOT your fault, involve the police. Drivers may well accept/admit guilt at the roadside, but as soon as the insurers are involved, they will try to back out. If they are off their heads, the police will suss and you will be protected.

[Clovius Boofus]

I'd be up for changing the law regarding banned drivers. Anyone banned from driving should be required to take a retest before getting their licence back.

[Pearcey]

The new law would be for over 70’s wouldn’t it? I think it’s a great idea. Some people (men in particular) wait until an accident/incident to happen before they pack in driving. Every other European country has this law in place already.

[Bada Bing]

One could drive to Barnard Castle.

[CrosspoolClarets]

What they should be doing:
1. New migrants into UK to pass a UK driving test
2. Banned drivers retake a UK driving test after the ban
3. Adverts on proper driving practice (no undertaking, middle lane hogging, drug driving etc)
4. Everyone retake a test every 10 years including a health and vision check (many conditions affect driving ability, e.g. dizzy spells, fainting, panic attacks)
5. Proper policing of dangerous drivers because 99.9% must go unpunished currently
6. Sensible speed limits and no confusing bus gates to avoid distraction (we just went away and had a simple 50 kph, 80kph, 100kph, 130kph depending on the type of road. We flew back a driving along the A6 went from 20mph, 40mph, 30mph and 50mph within 1 mile without a noticeable change in residential type).

The problem I have is 1-6 won’t get done.

Instead they are targeting just pensioners yet again, and the “pint after sports” folk by lowering the alcohol limit (soon 1 pint will be illegal rather than 2), neither of which feels a priority compared to the above yet will affect quality of life. It is a country being made and transformed by the young to middle aged urban city dweller who has no idea of the lives of others and the way these changes worsen them.

[Clovius Boofus]

Be careful with the two pint thing. There are lots of variables at play. Weight, age, metabolism, tiredness - then there's the percentage of the ale you are supping, and how quickly you're drinking it.

[ClaretAndJew]

the “pint after sports” folk by lowering the alcohol limit (soon 1 pint will be illegal rather than 2)

There is no law that allows you to drive after 1 pint of beer.

[Pearcey]

Blimey! That’s a bit OTT isn’t it? So we’d have to take a driving test in every European country before we go there? A test every 10 years! Wow.

[JohnMcGreal]

What they should be doing:
1. New migrants into UK to pass a UK driving test
2. Banned drivers retake a UK driving test after the ban
3. Adverts on proper driving practice (no undertaking, middle lane hogging, drug driving etc)
4. Everyone retake a test every 10 years including a health and vision check (many conditions affect driving ability, e.g. dizzy spells, fainting, panic attacks)
5. Proper policing of dangerous drivers because 99.9% must go unpunished currently
6. Sensible speed limits and no confusing bus gates to avoid distraction (we just went away and had a simple 50 kph, 80kph, 100kph, 130kph depending on the type of road. We flew back a driving along the A6 went from 20mph, 40mph, 30mph and 50mph within 1 mile without a noticeable change in residential type).

The problem I have is 1-6 won’t get done.

Instead they are targeting just pensioners yet again, and the “pint after sports” folk by lowering the alcohol limit (soon 1 pint will be illegal rather than 2), neither of which feels a priority compared to the above yet will affect quality of life. It is a country being made and transformed by the young to middle aged urban city dweller who has no idea of the lives of others and the way these changes worsen them.

You aren't seriously suggesting that pensioners are some sort of persecuted demographic, are you? Because they've done very well out of successive governments for many years. So well in fact that the public finances are now an absolute train wreck because of the lengths governments have gone to in an attempt to keep them sweet come election time.

I don't think a mandatory eye test for over 70s drivers is unreasonable.

[Casper2]

You aren't seriously suggesting that pensioners are some sort of persecuted demographic, are you? Because they've done very well out of successive governments for many years. So well in fact that the public finances are now an absolute train wreck because of the lengths governments have gone to in an attempt to keep them sweet come election time.

I don't think a mandatory eye test for over 70s drivers is unreasonable.

UK pensions are way behind Spain, Italy,Germany,and France you need to look at other reasons for the state of public finances.

[COBBLE]

I'm 72 and have no issue with tests for the over 70's or lower, but would like to see a broader range of enforcement measures to improve road safety which targets dangerous driving usually by younger demographics.

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Blimey! That’s a bit OTT isn’t it? So we’d have to take a driving test in every European country before we go there? A test every 10 years! Wow.

He said migrants, not someone on holiday

There are plenty of people who've migrated here and have clearly never taken a uk driving test
Our driving tests are some of the most stringent in the world but we allow huge numbers of much poorer quality drivers loose on our roads when they've moved here

[ChrisG]

He said migrants, not someone on holiday

There are plenty of people who've migrated here and have clearly never taken a uk driving test
Our driving tests are some of the most stringent in the world but we allow huge numbers of much poorer quality drivers loose on our roads when they've moved here

It is certainly a lot less stringent in the UK that other countries. I had to swap mine for a German one within 6 months, although that was a straight swap.

My friend who is Nigerian had to sit the full German test, which includes a set number of hours in a classroom, and set number on the road. Circa 35 hours I think.

They even split out certain US states depending on the test difficulty. Some have a straight swap, some only need to do a theory, and some are full as per Nigeria above.

[FCBurnley]

A huge problem in America is uninsured drivers. My insurance covers me for uninsured drivers but costs a big chunk of what I pay.

[fatboy47]

On an average drive into town I feel like I'm running a gauntlet of psychotics, clowns, scroats, drunks and stressed out sales reps.

Rarely do any of them appear to be over 70.

[aggi]

For a lot of countries you do need to take a full UK test to drive here. Think it's mainly if you have a licence from the EU or a handful of ex Commonwealth countries that you don't. Coming from the US for instance you'd need to take a UK test.

[evensteadiereddie]

This is a good idea and should be relatively easy to implement.
A trip to the opticians for a regular eye test, or an annual one off for those who don't have their eyes tested often enough, a certificate - digital or otherwise - issued to say your eyesight is up to standard and away you go.
Agree also about the coke/ spliff heads and idiot younger drivers but that's down to poor policing .

[LincsWoldsClaret]

It just concentrates on one part of the problem and ignores the coked-up, speed merchants and completely thoughtless.

The test could be made a lot harder too, so many young drivers on motorways see a space and move into it. It’s not a space - it’s my braking distance to the car in front of me Grrr.

[Goliath]

Regardless of whether it's a good idea or not, it can't be good for the social isolation of the elderly. If this is brought in then we need to make sure alternative transport links are sufficient.

[AlargeClaret]

Joking aside why on earth wouldn’t anybody agree with an eye test for over 70’s who drive ??Surely it’s common sense isn’t it ? I genuinely thought something like this was already in place .

[Steve1956]

On an average drive into town I feel like I'm running a gauntlet of psychotics, clowns, scroats, drunks and stressed out sales reps.

Rarely do any of them appear to be over 70.

We are reluctant to venture out in the car these days because of the things you have listed above,I'll also add bellends that think the white line in the middle of the road is a guide for them to straddle,many bellends up here in Scotland partake in to many white lines..

[CrosspoolClarets]

Joking aside why on earth wouldn’t anybody agree with an eye test for over 70’s who drive ??Surely it’s common sense isn’t it ? I genuinely thought something like this was already in place .

According to the poll in the paper today, 100% (no doubt rounded) do indeed agree. I am one of them.

As I posted above though, it is unfair if not tackling far worse situations that are more dangerous, like new migrants who haven’t been taught our rules of the road racing around like Starsky and Hutch (which living in a city I see daily, most notably from delivery drivers, not all of whom of course will not have had a UK driving test but many won’t have). I have nearly been taken out by one just today since making my first post above. p.s. many long term Brits also drive crazily, stop them too but at least they’ve passed a UK driving test.

Of more direct comparability, what about younger people also needing eye tests? I am a couple of decades younger and still sense mine is worsening, in ways glasses do not fix (e.g. slower focusing time). It just needs to be fair, that’s all. If my parents lost their license they would never leave the house, so to be equitable and fair let’s make sure things are applied across all age ranges, conditions and ethnicities and target the genuine causes of most accidents (they will have the data). My wife was taken out last year by an elderly driver who pulled out on her, likely the vision was fine from what the guy told me after, but the reaction time clearly wasn’t. I bet he would pass the new test.

[CrosspoolClarets]

Be careful with the two pint thing. There are lots of variables at play. Weight, age, metabolism, tiredness - then there's the percentage of the ale you are supping, and how quickly you're drinking it.

You are right of course.

But most of us know 2 pints is out of the question just before driving, but one pint of normal strength is fine (though silly if over tired etc).

If that becomes 1 pint being out of the question that would make many social activities impossible, like a quick drink after golf with mates when a car is essential to transport the equipment. Yes we could go for a 0% option but that is not our cultural way of doing things for many.

Very happy with more spot checks, but not a fan of lowering the limit by about 40% as mooted.

[mdd2]

This relates to deaths investigated by the Preston based Coroner. These cases were shown on TV with his deliberations. I think there were two deaths and elderly drivers involved had severe eyesight problems.
Seems a very sensible approach although poor eyesight from cataracts etc can affect those under 70 too.Presently good vision in one eye is all you need.

[Walton]

If my parents lost their license they would never leave the house

If your parents lost their licence, it would be because they're not fit to drive.

I can't see how you can argue against that.

[dougcollins]

UK pensions are way behind Spain, Italy,Germany,and France you need to look at other reasons for the state of public finances.

Rhymes with w@nkers.

[fatboy47]

Targetting compliant 70 year olds is nothing other than grabbing some low hanging fruit ( like doing people for doing 32 in a 30 zone) whilst doing nothing to address the vast majority of issues. It's simply an easy win and won't change a thing.

[Jakubclaret]

On an average drive into town I feel like I'm running a gauntlet of psychotics, clowns, scroats, drunks and stressed out sales reps.

Rarely do any of them appear to be over 70.

I've never experienced any problems with mature drivers I wish I could say the same about the younger drivers.

[Boss Hogg]

Could do with banning people using mobile phones behind the wheel or making them do a re-test, instead of this.

[jrgbfc]

Plenty of elderly people still driving that shouldn't be. A lot of the time their relatives know it but aren't willing to have the awkward conversation, and choose to put other people at risk instead.

[Corway]

Think the stats are being distorted but opticians will be pleased. There was no evidence eyesight problems caused the deaths being used to promote this.
Mental and physical capacity is more likely the cause, but that’s not checked at all.

From AI
Young drivers, particularly those aged 17-24, care significantly overrepresented in accident statistics, especially when considering miles driven. For example, they account for a higher percentage of accidents than their proportion of the driving population.

Older Drivers:
While older drivers (70+) may be involved in fewer accidents overall, they are more vulnerable to severe injuries or fatalities when involved in a collision. This is partly due to age-related physical changes that make them more susceptible to injury

No problem with having an eye test and 70 is an age where cataracts cause vision impairment.
I have many elderly neighbours most of whom drive but usually only short distances and a few times a week. One is 99 another 95. They aren’t speed merchants or snails.

If the aim is to reduce deaths younger drivers should be No 1 target and elderly health checks - if you can see your doctor.

[Bullabill]

If the aim is to reduce deaths younger drivers should be No 1 target and elderly health checks - if you can see your doctor.

I can see my doctor OK - do I pass the test?

[Foshiznik]

Bit of a strange argument against drivers over 70 having to have eye tests to mention it’s not the only issue with drivers on the road. If you can’t pass a vision test then you shouldn’t be on the road, even if other drivers are also unfit.

Most who fail will be those who legally were meant to tell DVLA of their vision issues but haven’t just in case they are found unfit the drive.

[ClaretOfMancunia]

Had a lad doing balloons (nitrous oxide) behind me in traffic the other day.

Hardly ever see traffic police on the roads any more, so it's all become a bit lawless imo

[gandhisflipflop]

Ignorant, thoughtless and reckless drivers wind me up no end. Yesterday I was on m65 and I saw a bmw approach junction 7 turn off, and was about 400 yards from the slip road and instead of slowing down and taking the slip road he decided to pull out into the middle lane to overtake a vehicle doing the speed limit and then cut right across him to take the slip road almost missing the turn off completely.

Another one is eastbound m65 junction 8. The amount of drivers that deliberately use the left lane to go around that roundabout out of sheer ignorance because they are too self important to wait is insane. I would love for an unmarked car to pull some over.

Slightly off topic that but my point is there are far more issues than just eye tests needed.

1. Improving the general attitude of drivers
2. Crack down on drug driving
3. Crack down on poor driving standards.

I would make people take a general test every 10 years.

[basil6345789]

It will be easy to modify the proposal, to cover every driver regardless of age, having exacerbated the young/old divide but will then not aggravate the young so much when they have to accept what is an inevitability - clever stuff!

[Bow]

The standard of driving in the U.K. is by far the best I’ve seen across the world.

If you think we’re bad try living with driving everyday in Italy or any major French city.

[Jakubclaret]

Had a lad doing balloons (nitrous oxide) behind me in traffic the other day.

Hardly ever see traffic police on the roads any more, so it's all become a bit lawless imo

I see lots of police in general usually blues & twos to the nearest McDonald's & even some of them are messing about on their phones whilst driving it's no wonder things are a mess with that example set.

[Vino blanco]

We have had this system in Spain for years now. I am 78 and have been a Spanish resident for 7 years though I have lived here for 13 years. Every three years I have to go to the local authorities and have a full eye check and then I do two tests on screens to check my coordination and reaction times. I did my last one in January this year. I have no problems with this at all.

[Row x]

I see lots of police in general usually blues & twos to the nearest McDonald's & even some of them are messing about on their phones whilst driving it's no wonder things are a mess with that example set.

So have you followed all these blue lighters to McDonald's and seen them order food, or are you just making stuff up again?
Phones or radios?
Work or personal?

[Jakubclaret]

So have you followed all these blue lighters to McDonald's and seen them order food, or are you just making stuff up again?
Phones or radios?
Work or personal?

Yes indirectly & no idea.

[JohnMac]

Massive overreaction by the media because 2 pensioners were killed crossing a road having been hit by an over 70 year old driver had been lying about his eyesight for over 20 years!

Whilst I don't disagree with the proposal, as someone over 70 there are far bigger problems with the standard of driving in the UK. Also a lack of credible punishment for many offenders. When you see the TV Programmes and someone picks up a 3 year ban after driving like a lunatic to escape the Police, many don't have a Licence and will just continue to do the same time and again.

Young drivers with young passengers 'bouncing around' in the car, they don't realise there isn't a reset button if they crash.

It just goes on and on ...

[boatshed bill]

You aren't seriously suggesting that pensioners are some sort of persecuted demographic, are you? Because they've done very well out of successive governments for many years. So well in fact that the public finances are now an absolute train wreck because of the lengths governments have gone to in an attempt to keep them sweet come election time.

I don't think a mandatory eye test for over 70s drivers is unreasonable.

I'd have though anyone over 50 would be keen to ensure that their eyesight is OK for driving

[CaptJohn]

This idea has been doing the rounds for a while now and I wholeheartedly agree with it. Being over 70 and a regular driver I did some research myself and found out I could apply for a "Driving Assessment" via the Local council (Cheshire & West). It's based on research being carried out by Warwick University into issues with older drivers. I applied and was accepted and duly had an "Assessment." The Assessor was an ex Police Traffic Officer and took the form of a Highway code review followed by a 50 mile practical driving review in my own car. We went on a route in North Wales in the Wrexham area that is used by Police to assess their own drivers and took in well known driving black spots that have had fatalities in the past. It was a very informative assessment for me but one of the aspects that came across loud and clear from the assessor was the importance of eye tests and the decline in peripheral vision that occurs with age. Unfortunately it is the cause of a lot of accidents to motorcyclists due to drivers pulling out of junctions in front of them. The assessor said that he'd heard the phrase "they came out of nowhere" many times when interviewing older drivers involved in accidents.
The assessment was paid for by the University of Warwick. The only thing I had to pay for was the fuel used.
The Assessor came to my house to start the assessment.
If you are a driver and over 70 I would recommend going on the assessment if you can.

Lastly, I passed with flying colours

[Stanbill05]

You aren't seriously suggesting that pensioners are some sort of persecuted demographic, are you? Because they've done very well out of successive governments for many years. So well in fact that the public finances are now an absolute train wreck because of the lengths governments have gone to in an attempt to keep them sweet come election time.

I don't think a mandatory eye test for over 70s drivers is unreasonable.

I will never understand anyone talking about pensioners as if they are a separate group. It is in your interest as much as anyone's, unless you are happy for everything to be eroded by the time it affects you. I'm in my 40s.

As for eye tests, it is already on the individual to inform DVLA of health deficiencies. Criminalise none compliance and make people take responsibility.

[fatboy47]

My neighbour is pushing 80 these days.
He could wear a blindfold and a gimp mask and still be a safer driver than half the young emptyheads screeching round the average McDonalds car park.