§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages of requiring an official certificate of eyesight standard for driving licence renewals past retirement age. [15978]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonAll drivers, when renewing their licences (normally at the age of 70 and every three years thereafter), are required to declare whether they can meet the prescribed eyesight standard. They also have a statutory obligation, whatever their age, to meet the standard whenever they drive and, if they cannot do so, to cease driving and notify the DVLA. In particular, drivers should notify conditions affecting both eyes, such as glaucoma, cataracts or progressive retinal disease. A requirement for compulsory eye tests for all drivers over a certain age would place extra costs on elderly drivers and involve major additional administration. The Government are not persuaded that it would bring significant road safety benefits.