Edmund King, president of the AA motoring organisation, said: “Eye tests are free for people over the age of 60 anyway and healthcare professionals advise them every two years given they can help with diagnosis of other underlying conditions.
“In fact, the AA advises everyone to have an eye test every two years.”
Drivers in the UK must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
But currently, drivers of any age are not required to prove their skills or health once they obtain their licence.
Drivers must tell the DVLA if they become unfit to drive, but this is a self-reporting system.
Lilian Greenwood, local transport minister, said: “We know driving can be very important for older people’s wellbeing and help them to live independently, but we must also make sure everyone is safe on our roads.
“As the country’s older population grows, our plans in the first road safety strategy in more than a decade will preserve personal freedoms where possible with action to save lives.”
