DVLA to get tough on infirm who continue to drive
New tougher driving licence rules from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will force drivers to declare they are fit to drive or take a medical test ever ten years, the Telegraph reports.
It says the DVLA will issue a series of minimum physical and mental requirements motorists must fulfil including eyesight performance and reaction times.
Tests, costing up to £80, will be offered to drivers to check whether they are fit to drive.
Anyone who chooses not to take the tests but declares themselves able to take to the roads will be committing a criminal offence if they fail to meet the established standards, the paper claims.
The Department of Transport said the story was “speculative”. A spokesman said: "Increasing car use, changes in the population's health and medical advances all mean that the demands on the health and driver licensing system are very different to those of 30 years ago, when it was established. We are considering these issues carefully and intend to consult on how we can improve the service we offer drivers."
