Concerns at ‘overly bureaucratic’ 10-year test proposed for drivers | Personal Finance | Finance
Driving experts have warned that a proposed mandatory 10-year test for drivers could be “overly bureaucratic”. Transport ministers faced questioning in the Commons last week (January 8) regarding significant proposed changes to road safety regulations.
The new Road Safety Strategy includes key changes to driving legislation, including requiring learner drivers to complete a minimum three to six-month period between passing their theory and practical examinations. Other policies put forward include introducing compulsory eyesight assessments for motorists over 70, alongside cognitive tests for elderly drivers.
Currently, drivers must have the ability to read a number plate from 20 metres away, though you don’t have to prove this. Leicester South MP Shockat Adam raised concerns about the proposed testing regime, arguing it should be extended more broadly.
He stated: “The UK is one of the only countries in Europe that does not have mandatory sight tests until people have to renew their licence at the age of 70, so somebody could pass a driving test at 17 or 18, then not have an eye test until they are 70 years old. Does the minister agree that people should have a sight test every time their driving licence is renewed, which is every 10 years, to ensure that they are safe on the road?”
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood responded on behalf of the Government, saying: “No one should be driving on our roads whose eyesight does not meet the required standard. We have chosen to consult on eye tests for those over 70, but it would be good advice for everyone to have their eyes tested on a regular basis.”
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, shared his views on this idea. He said: “There’s no question that good eyesight is fundamental to safe driving, and Auto Express has long encouraged motorists of all ages to have regular eye tests. But introducing compulsory checks every 10 years for all drivers risks being overly bureaucratic when the evidence shows eyesight deterioration is far more likely later in life.”
However, he did say there are some cases where motorists should get their vision checked. He said: “What matters most is that drivers take responsibility for their own vision, getting their eyes checked if they notice blurred distance vision, difficulty reading road signs, increased glare from headlights, poor night vision, double vision or eye strain, all of which can significantly affect reaction times and hazard awareness behind the wheel.”
Mr Adam also raised concerns in Parliament regarding the safety hazard posed by dazzling headlights. He referenced RAC statistics showing approximately 280 collisions annually are attributed to headlight glare.
Addressing this matter, Ms Greenwood said: “We have undertaken research on headlamp glare. I know that this is a growing problem, and I certainly recognise it as a driver myself. We are going to consider the outputs of the research that we already have and do further work, in addition to looking internationally at work on vehicle standards, but I absolutely want to take further action on headlamp glare.”
Other proposals outlined in the Road Safety Strategy encompass lowering the alcohol threshold for learner and newly qualified motorists in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, from 80mg per 100ml of blood to 20mg. The threshold for all remaining drivers would drop to 50mg, matching Scotland’s existing limit.
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