February 7, 2026
Eye Spy: Licence Wars
British drivers over 70 to face eye tests every three years
Safety or ageism? Comments explode as bus-pass memes and 'lethal weapon' fears fly
TLDR: The UK will require drivers over 70 to get eye tests every three years to improve safety. Commenters are split between backing the rule, calling for ability tests for all ages, and demanding support like rideshare subsidies so seniors aren’t stranded—highlighting a clash between safety and independence.
Britain’s new road safety plan says drivers over 70 must get their eyes checked every three years — and the internet lit up like a dashboard warning light. With nearly a quarter of 2024 road deaths involving over-70s, supporters cheered the move as common sense, pointing out that eye tests are already free for over-60s and the current “tell the government yourself” health rules are basically an honor system. The AA and optometrists say vision can fade without people noticing. The drama? Ageism vs. safety. One camp insists cars are “lethal weapons” and you shouldn’t be behind the wheel if you can’t see. Another camp claps back: don’t single out seniors — “test everyone.” Over on the thread, bookofjoe’s link drops the receipts, while commenters battle it out with bus-pass memes and “read a number plate at 20 metres” jokes. Calpaterson wants ability tests, not just eye checks, arguing some older drivers are dangerous; ptribble says most UK drivers “either can’t see or don’t bother looking,” so raise standards for all. NoodlesUK goes safety-first but compassionate. Meanwhile, lacunary glimpsed a “Waymo swarm” in Austin and asks: if we can’t fix transit, why not subsidize rideshares for seniors? Even older drivers chimed in: “test me annually and take the keys if needed.” It’s freedom vs. fatalities — with policy, pride, and public transport all in the mix.
Key Points
- •Drivers aged 70+ in Britain will be required to have eyesight tests every three years under a new road safety strategy.
- •Proposals include lowering England’s drink-driving limit to match Scotland and issuing penalty points for not wearing seatbelts.
- •Nearly one in four car drivers killed in 2024 were aged 70 or older, according to government figures.
- •Currently, UK drivers are not re-tested after licensing and must self-report fitness to drive; DVLA’s standard is reading a number plate at 20 metres.
- •Experts and organizations broadly support mandatory testing but note eye tests alone may not significantly reduce crashes; social support for those who stop driving is urged.