Andy Burnham’s authorities may usher in second new driving take a look at for one group of Brits

The Labour Party government is exploring the idea of so-called “cognitive tests” for older drivers as part of its Road Safety Strategy

Andy Burnham’s government is mulling over a second fresh test for motorists over 70 alongside eyesight checks. The Labour Party government is examining the possibility of introducing so-called “cognitive tests”.

The Labour Party government is weighing up its consultation on the Road Safety Strategy, which was initially launched under the previous Sir Keir Starmer administration. To enhance safety outcomes for elderly drivers and other road users, various policy options are being considered, Labour has confirmed.

The Road Safety Strategy has stated: “The government is consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over age 70 and will develop options for cognitive testing for older drivers. These measures aim to reduce deaths and injuries involving older drivers, without unnecessarily restricting their mobility and personal freedom.

“The government will continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council to highlight the importance of regular police roadside eyesight tests for all drivers, ensuring that those drivers who fail to meet the minimum eyesight standards required for driving will have their driving licence revoked by DVLA.”, reports Birmingham Live.

“The government will also continue to engage with the relevant regulatory bodies to highlight the importance of healthcare professionals notifying DVLA if their patient is unwilling or unable to notify.”

The Department for Transport’s (DfT) most recent factsheet on older drivers reveals that since 2004, the number of killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties from collisions involving at least one car driver aged 70+ has seen a modest increase from 3,082 to 3,451 in 2023. KSI casualty rates per billion miles driven rise from 18.8 for drivers aged 60–69 to 56.7 for those aged 70+, and the risk of fatal crashes per mile sharply increases after the age of 80.

The International Longevity Centre states: “While certain forms of dementia may affect visual perception and cognitive ability – potentially years before diagnosis – there is even less evidence about how dementia specifically affects driving capacity.

“ILC’s Driving in later life: options for reform (2011) recommends a proportionate approach – encouraging self-declaration of relevant conditions, backed by public awareness campaigns, and introducing cognitive screening only where concerns arise, rather than blanket mandatory testing by age. This avoids stigmatising safe drivers while still identifying those genuinely at risk.”

Labour Party minister Lilian Greenwood previously stated: “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.”