DVLA upcoming seeing test for drivers over 70.

[gavroche]

As you may know, the DVLA is planning to introduce a compulsory seeing test before renewing your licence when you are 70.

Today, I had an eye test at Specsavers and failed the DVLA test! I was shocked as I can still read a number plate from 20 metres away with my long distance glasses
20 metres is the legal requirement for all new learners to pass their driving test.

I failed because I couldn't read the 4 letters on the bottom line of their machine.

I have developing cataract and am on the waiting list for an operation, hopefully by next summer.

The very nice lady optician told me not to worry about it and prescribed some cheap driving glasses which should do the job. I shall collect them next Thursday.

I just thought I would let you know , especially if you are over 70. Take a trip to your optician and have the test before it becomes compulsory.

 

[OldShep]

I’ve no argument against getting your eyes tested. How quickly your eyesight can change over 70 is quite alarming IME. I'm invited for a test annually and three years running I’ve needed a new prescription.
Its an unwanted expense but necessary to keep me driving safely.

 

[PeteXXX]

I believe that the only acceptable test for DVLA is one done by Specsavers.
They bought the contract a while ago.

 

[DaveReading]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but AFAIK there has been no decision on introducing compulsory over-70 eyesight tests.

 

[Webbo2]

I have had an eye test since my 70th birthday at Boots and they told me that my eyesight without glasses was acceptable for driving. However if it hadn’t have been and I refused glasses/ treatment or advice, I wonder if the optician as a registered professional would have contacted the relevant authorities.

 

[fossyant]

Bloody good idea TBH. SIL never needed glasses until she was having issues seeing driving. Must have been bad as the test found cataracts and both were removed within two months.

 

[fossyant]

FIL had shocking eye sight and still kept driving.

 

[Drago]

It'll be a test of corrected vision, so if you need glasses to see youll take the new test wearing those glasses, for example. At 57 im blind as a bat beyond 30 feet without my glasses, but pin sharp with them.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

FIL had shocking eye sight and still kept driving.

My Dad had to tell his Dad to stop driving when he was driving through North Wales and went through one of the tunnels
He put his headlights on but couldn't tell if they were on or not
He got out but still couldn't tell when standing in front of the car
until he put his eye right up to the lens - only then could he tell the headlights were on
on a dull day!!

He was a damn good driver - but only the Gods know how he didn't hit anyone those last few months!

My Dad stopped driving at night when his night vision got bad
then stopped driving altogether a year or so after
which was a massive thing for him as he was disabled - and the car was his only way of getting out of the house

but he did it because he knew it was the right thing to do


Other people need regulations

 

[Drago]

As an aside, I dont see why more mature motorists should be held to a higher eyesight standard than everyone else who have only to meet the "20 metre" test.

It is possible to pass the 20 metre test and have tunnel vision so bad that they would be clinically classified as blind. All drivers should have such tests at regular periods.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

As an aside, I dont see why more mature motorists should be held to a higher eyesight standard than everyone else who have only to meet the "20 metre" test.

It is possible to pass the 20 metre test and have tunnel vision so bad that they would be clinically classified as blind. All drivers should have such tests at regular periods.

I agree - but the over-70 is a good start

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I believe that the only acceptable test for DVLA is one done by Specsavers.
They bought the contract a while ago.

Pete attending his last appointment

 

[CXRAndy]

I think every driver has a duty of care, to seek a checkup if you suspect poor vision. You then have to declare if you need glasses to drive

 

[Webbo2]

I think every driver has a duty of care, to seek a checkup if you suspect poor vision. You then have to declare if you need glasses to drive

I think you are living in a dream world. My experience of older people when younger as I might now fit in that category. Is that they are not always aware of their deficiencies and not always open to advice.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

A lot of older people become more and more reliant on their car as they get older

so suddenly loosing it is very scary

so they just don;t admit the problem to themselves