United Kingdom: After 70 Years, Eye Test Required to Keep Driving License
This page is translated from the original post "Royaume-Uni : après 70 ans, test de vue pour garder son permis" in French.
- 12/08/2025 11:57
The United Kingdom is set to tighten its road safety rules with a focus on elderly drivers. What about France?
Obviously, the reform will be unpopular among the elderly, but that’s that. Shouldn’t the general interest prevail? Thus, the British government is considering imposing a mandatory vision test every three years for drivers over 70, a measure deemed “long overdue” by road safety associations, but some would like to extend it to all license holders, regardless of age.
Currently, in the United Kingdom, vision checks are primarily based on self-reporting. Drivers simply have to attest that they meet the legal vision standard when renewing their license, which is mandatory from the age of 70… but no medical examination is required after obtaining the license.
This system has been criticized by coroner James Adeley, who describes it as “the most lax in Europe” and dangerous after several tragedies, including an accident that claimed four lives. Yet, the figures are somewhat unclear: according to the British Department of Transport, 6 deaths and 252 serious injuries were caused in 2023 by drivers with poor vision among the 1,633 deaths and 28,000 injuries recorded that year. Nevertheless, among those over 70, 42% of serious accidents are said to be linked to vision problems.
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When will it happen in France?
The organization GEM Motoring Assist, very active on this issue, welcomes the reform but believes it does not go far enough. “Too many people – and not just those over 70 – are driving with dangerously deteriorated vision,” warns James Luckhurst, road safety officer at GEM. The association advocates for a professional eye examination every two years for all drivers to detect visual impairments early.
In France, the situation is different. To obtain a driving license, a medical examination is required only for certain professional categories (heavy goods vehicles, taxis, ambulances…) or in the case of particular medical conditions. Ordinary drivers have no obligation for vision checks after obtaining their license, unless in the case of suspension or revocation, or if the insurer or the treating doctor alerts to a medical issue. Those over 60 can drive without any specific restrictions as long as no infraction or medical issue necessitates a check.
Politicians are too afraid that a measure similar to that implemented in the United Kingdom would be unpopular at the polls. Or when clientelism endangers the lives of road users…
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