37million UK drivers support mandatory eye tests for older drivers

Key takeaways

• Eighty‑eight percent of UK drivers support a government proposal for mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged 70 and over as part of a wider road safety strategy.

• MoneySuperMarket research shows that nearly 11 million UK drivers are overdue an eye test, with one in seven never having had one.

• Failing to meet the legal vision standard or not wearing required eyewear while driving can lead to fines, penalty points, and potentially invalidated insurance.

According to YouGov, 37 million UK drivers (88%) agree that mandatory eye tests for older drivers should be introduced¹.

This is following a recent proposal made by the Department for Transport that would potentially require drivers over 70 years of age to undergo a documented eye test every two to three years when their driving licence is renewed.

This new measure makes up part of a broader Road Safety Strategy from the Department for Transport which aims to improve road safety across the UK.

The current law (Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) states:

“If a person drives a motor vehicle on a road while his eyesight is such that he cannot comply with any requirement as to eyesight prescribed under this Part of this Act for the purposes of tests of competence to drive, he is guilty of an offence.”

Regardless of age, drivers should be mindful of their eyesight when driving. As well as putting other road users at risk, driving without wearing necessary glasses or contact lenses could result in a £1,000 fine, as well as three penalty points.

A new survey by MoneySuperMarket reveals that nearly 11 million (26%) UK drivers are currently overdue an eye test, or haven’t had an eye test in the past two years, as well as one in seven (5.5 million) never having been for an eye test appointment.²

To drive legally in the UK, drivers must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away (around five parked cars). Breaking this rule could lead to a £1,000 fine, as well as three penalty points.

To ensure drivers meet the legal visual standard, it's advisable that drivers regularly have their eyes tested and always wear their required eyewear when getting behind the wheel.

The survey also found that 7.6million (nearly one-in-five) UK drivers admitted having previously got behind the wheel without contact lenses or glasses they need to drive, despite 67% (28.2 million) saying they were aware of the possible consequences for their insurance cover.

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Regular eye tests can prevent accidents at any age

Not only are there legal ramifications to not wearing glasses or contact lenses behind the wheel, there are also financial ones too should you get into an accident, as your car insurance could be invalidated if you do not meet the standards of vision.

People’s vision can change over time, sometimes without them realising. That’s why it’s important to have an eye test every two years to make sure you still meet the legal standard for driving safely and confidently.

<sup>Sources
1. Data from YouGov, correct as of 11/01/2026
2. MoneySuperMarket conducted a survey via Censuswide of 1,000 UK drivers aged 17 and above (full license holders). The survey was conducted between 20.01.2026 and 23.01.2026. 42,120,966 people currently possess a complete UK driving licence, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA): https://www.driving.org/record-high-uk-driving-licence-holders-soar/.</sup>