ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

Older Drivers Legislation in the UK: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Last Updated 17th July 2026

Supporting Road Safety Week 2025

As leading experts in road traffic collision claims, at Fletchers Solicitors we follow developments in road safety and driver legislation closely. One area which has recently been reviewed is the law surrounding older drivers, with proposed changes potentially coming into effect in the near future.

In this article, our experts explore:

What the current law says about driving after the age of 70
The proposed legislative changes that may come into effect in 2025 & 2026
Why these updates are being considered and the reasoning behind them
The importance of maintaining medical and visual fitness to drive
Fletchers Solicitors’ position on ensuring fairness and road safety
The Police’s perspective on keeping all drivers competent and responsible
What these potential changes mean for older drivers and other road users

Understanding changes in older drivers’ licence requirements

Currently, once a driver turns 70, they are required to renew their driving licence every three years. This renewal process relies on self-declaration, drivers must confirm they remain medically fit to drive and inform the DVLA of any health condition that could affect their ability to do so safely.

The DVLA may investigate further by contacting a driver’s GP, arranging a medical examination, or requesting a driving or eyesight test to determine whether they can continue driving.

Sarah Ouko, Associate and Serious Injury Solicitor, explains further:

“While the self-declaration system promotes personal responsibility, in our view it can leave room for uncertainty. Many drivers may not recognise gradual health changes, and without structured medical input, risks can go unnoticed until an incident occurs.”

What are the proposed changes?

Whilst the Government’s current position is that “the current renewal at age 70 process remains as is”. Any changes that the government does plan to make, will likely be announced in its upcoming Road Safety Strategy.

One of the key proposals under discussion is the introduction of mandatory eye tests for all drivers aged 70 and above when renewing their licence. As of January 2026, the Government is now consulting on these mandatory eye tests proposals.

Currently, there’s no formal requirement to have a professional eye test when renewing, meaning many rely on self-assessment. The proposed change would ensure that all older drivers undergo a standardised eyesight check, removing ambiguity and reinforcing road safety.

There may also be further updates to how medical fitness is assessed, with calls for more consistent monitoring of age-related conditions that could affect driving ability.

Sarah adds:

“Older drivers should be able to get behind the wheel of their vehicle with confidence. They should have autonomy and retain their independence in later years – something that is hugely important for anyone’s wellbeing.

“However, the introduction of mandatory eye-tests could go some way to improving safety on the roads. It is a reality that eyesight and physical health can decline in later years. Ensuring that older drivers remain safe and competent behind the wheel is critical for road safety, whilst offering peace of mind to those drivers, ensuring they can remain confident behind the wheel.

Why these changes may be introduced

In the UK, the number of drivers over 70 continues to grow. People are living longer, more healthy lives, which contributes to that reality. And in our experience, many older drivers are safe, responsible, and experienced – but some may not notice gradual changes in eyesight, reaction times, or cognitive ability.

As specialists in road traffic collision claims, we’ve seen first-hand how health-related issues can sometimes contribute to collisions, often unintentionally. While these incidents are relatively rare, their consequences can be devastating.

The proposed legislation is not about limiting freedom, but about introducing measured, preventive safeguards to protect both older motorists and other road users.

Why it’s needed?

Driving is one of the most significant expressions of independence, particularly for older adults. However, it also carries great responsibility. The ability to drive safely depends on maintaining certain physical and sensory standards, especially good vision.

Compulsory eyesight testing would help ensure that all drivers, regardless of age, meet the same objective benchmark of road safety. It’s a step towards proactive prevention, helping to identify potential risks before they lead to crashes.

At Fletchers, we believe this approach aligns with a broader public interest goal – to reduce avoidable road collisions while supporting individuals to continue driving for as long as it’s safe to do so.

Sarah says:

“As a firm representing those seriously injured on the roads, we believe prevention is as vital as justice after the fact. Legislation that supports early detection of risks, aligns with the same public interest principles that underpin personal injury law itself.

Working alongside emergency teams, road safety charities, and our local police force – our combined objective is the same: to reduce the number of those killed or seriously injured on our roads each year.”

Fletchers Solicitors’ position

Our experts welcome a balanced, evidence-based approach to updating older driver legislation. The focus should remain on fitness to drive, not age alone.

In our experience handling serious and fatal road traffic collision claims, we’ve seen how poor eyesight, untreated health conditions, or delayed medical disclosure can contribute to tragic outcomes. Introducing structured checks can help create a fair and consistent framework that benefits everyone, whilst improve safety on the road.

Ultimately, safety behind the wheel should be assessed by ability, not assumption.

Sarah adds to this by saying:

“We also believe more could be done to educate drivers on their reporting obligations and to support GPs in advising patients about driving fitness. Law and public health must work hand in hand.”

The police perspective: safety above all

We partner with various Police departments across the North West of England and they share a clear stance on this issue, every driver, regardless of age, must be safe and competent. Officers frequently witness the impact of health-related driving incidents and support measures that prevent them.

The principle is simple, driving is a privilege, not a right. With that privilege comes the duty to ensure you are medically and physically fit to drive. Mandatory eye tests for older drivers reinforce this shared responsibility between the individual and the state.

Having handled many road traffic collision claims, Sarah agrees with the police’s stance on this matter, saying:

“Our own experience aligns with this view. Many collisions involving health-related impairments could have been prevented with earlier intervention. Strengthening collaboration between the DVLA, healthcare providers, and solicitors could be key to improving outcomes.”

Looking ahead

The proposed changes to older driver legislation highlight a broader evolution in how the UK views road safety, prioritising early intervention, fairness, and shared accountability.

At Fletchers Solicitors, we support any initiative that makes UK roads safer for all users, while ensuring that older drivers are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. These measures are not about restriction, they’re about reassurance: knowing that every driver behind the wheel meets the standards required to protect themselves and others.

Sarah concludes by saying:

“As the government prepares its Road Safety Strategy for 2025, we believe it’s essential that the voices of crash victims and their families are represented. Any reform should not only reduce risk, but also ensure fair treatment for those affected when standards fall short.”