Insurance sector reacts as government weighs up mandatory testing for over 70s motorists

UK motorists aged 70 and over could be banned from driving if they fail regular, mandatory sight tests under new proposals made by the government this week.

The suggestion is that over 70s – who are required to renew their licenses every three years in the UK – would be required to take compulsory sight tests at this renewal stage.

Full proposals will be published in Autumn 2025 as part of the government’s new Road Safety Strategy, but the Department for Transport has indicated that it will harden current requirements for motorists to simply self-report changes in eyesight to bring the UK into line with international standards. Currently, the UK is one of only three European nations to rely on self-reporting for visual conditions that affect the ability to drive.

Guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recommends that health professionals, including opticians, should inform the agency if a patient does not self-report a condition that impacts on driving, but this is not a legal requirement. 

The Association of Optometrists said it strongly supported the introduction of regular, mandatory vision tests for all drivers and called the current system “not fit for purpose”

Proposed changes would come alongside longer sentences for driving without insurance, as well as measures to make it easier for police to bring prosecutions against those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Age group risk

Measures to improve road safety in the UK have been welcomed by the insurance industry, which facilitates, protects and indemnifies UK motorists of all ages. 

Commenting on the proposed changes, an ABI spokesperson told Insurance Times: “Improving road safety is a top priority for the motor insurance industry and we support the government’s focus on this. 

“A driving license system must strike the right balance between allowing people to drive safely for as long as possible, while ensuring they do not pose a risk to themselves or others.” 

The ABI’s 10-Point Roadmap to tackle the cost of motor insurance, published in February, included support for initiatives that support and prepare young drivers, who it said were “more likely to be involved in accidents”. 

Data from the Department for Transport confirms this, with those aged under 30 making up the largest group annual road fatalities. Over 70s are the next most represented group in this data, however, with significantly more fatalities than the 30 to 49 and 50 to 69 age group. 

Other statistics from the department show that license holders over 70 make up 14% of the total in the UK while accounting for a quarter of those killed on the roads.

Insurer reaction

Commenting on the government’s proposals, Thomas Quirke, chief underwriting officer at personal lines specialist insurer Ageas UK, said: ”We welcome any measures that improve road safety for everyone. 

“While we understand that, for many older people, driving is key to their independence, we as an insurer welcome any measures that give us and our older customers assurance that they meet the required standards required to hold a driving license. 

“As a leader in this market, we have a detailed understanding of this age group. There is not a straightforward answer to the question of whether drivers aged 70 years and over present a greater risk than other age groups. 

“What our data does show is that, taken as a whole, drivers aged 70 and over do have fewer accidents than other age groups. However, the risk of serious accidents does increase in drivers aged 80 and over.” 

Speaking to Insurance Times, an Aviva spokesperson added: “We support the government’s intention to improve road safety for all road users and will consider the details of the reforms as they emerge, to understand the implications. 

“Any change to licensing requirements should be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences, particularly for older drivers who may rely on driving for independence and daily life.”