OAP drivers given eye exam orders

Apr 27 2008 By Fariha Karim

Exclusive

DRIVERS over the age of 75 could be forced to take eye tests under a major overhaul of motoring laws.

Ministers are considering a range of new rules, including compulsory sight exams to assess elderly drivers' ability to react to road signs and conditions, pedestrians and other vehicles.

Other changes could include issuing daylight driving licences for those with night blindness.

Drivers may also have to confirm their medical fitness every 10 years.

The changes are part of a review of motoring laws to be revealed this summer.

They have been prompted by the rising number of elderly and physically unfit motorists. There will be an estimated three million drivers over 70 by 2021.

In 2006, the DVLA dealt with 600,000 motoristswhose physical ability to drive had to be recertified - a 20 per cent rise on 2005.

Motorists of any age who have had a heart attack or strokewill face the strictest controls and may have to produce a doctor's certificate before they can drive again.

A maximum age limit for driving has been ruled out by ministers.