Government Considers New Driving Rules For Over-70s To Improve Road Safety

The government is considering new driving rules for motorists aged over 70, including mandatory eye tests, as part of a major overhaul of road safety laws.

The proposals are part of a national road safety strategy set to be published this week — the first in more than ten years — and aim to reduce deaths and serious injuries on roads across the UK.

What’s Being Proposed?

The strategy is expected to focus on:

• Mandatory eyesight checks for drivers over 70

• Possible cognitive testing for older motorists

• Harsher penalties for drivers without insurance

The government hopes the measures will help cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with an even greater reduction target for children.

Figures show that nearly a quarter of drivers killed in road collisions in 2024 were aged 70 or over, prompting renewed focus on age-related road safety.

Balancing Safety and Independence

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the aim is not to stop older people from driving, but to make roads safer for everyone:

“Driving plays a vital role in helping older people stay independent, particularly in more rural and island communities.

"As our population ages, this strategy will ensure safety improves without unnecessarily limiting personal freedom.”

Fines and Seatbelt Rules Could Change

The strategy may also introduce penalty points for drivers caught not wearing a seatbelt, as well as tougher consequences for uninsured motorists.

Under the proposals, fines for driving without insurance could rise to £600.

The full government road safety strategy is expected to be published later this week.