Mandatory Eyesight Testing for Drivers Urged in Wake of Fatal Collisions

A renewed call for compulsory eyesight testing for drivers has emerged, driven by mounting concerns over road safety following a series of fatal accidents.

Dr James Adeley, a senior coroner, has urged the newly elected Labour government to prioritise mandatory vision checks—particularly targeting older motorists—after investigations linked four deaths to drivers with severely impaired eyesight.

Road safety experts are warning that too many individuals continue to drive despite clear warnings or medical advice to the contrary. These concerns highlight the urgent need for systemic reform, especially in how driver fitness is monitored and enforced.

Industry figures are now advocating for routine eye tests to be made a formal requirement at the point of driving licence renewal. There is also growing support for a mechanism whereby optometrists directly report the outcome of vision tests to the DVLA, enabling timely intervention where necessary. While legislative change may take time, there is also encouragement for drivers to voluntarily assess their fitness to drive—effectively a ‘driver MOT’—as part of regular licence renewal processes.

The emphasis of the proposed measures is firmly on public safety rather than imposing restrictions on personal freedom. Experts argue that responsible driving should be viewed as a privilege that carries an obligation to protect others, especially when health factors such as eyesight can significantly impair road safety.

According to the Department for Transport, adults are already advised to undergo eye tests every two years, and drivers are legally required to report any condition that could affect their ability to drive. However, current self-reporting mechanisms are seen by many as inadequate.

The government has confirmed that it is reviewing eyesight testing requirements as part of a broader commitment to improving road safety. Officials have indicated that nothing is being ruled out at this stage, and that changes to vision-related regulations will form part of a wider national road safety strategy.

This strategy is expected to be unveiled by the end of the year, with consultations to follow on any proposed changes that arise.