Over-70s ‘will have no ID’ worry after licences | Tech News

New guidelines for over-70s drivers have sparked considerations that it may depart people with out essential types of identification. The Department for Transport is consulting on plans which may see people compelled to have necessary eyesight checks at 70.

Currently, people self-declare they’re match to drive, however the quantity of crashes and likewise considerations raised by opticians have led to it being checked out as half of a new Road security strategy launched by the federal government. The DfT is taking a look at a necessary check at 70 and each three years – and people failing would lose their licences.

Opticians mentioned they have been  involved on the quantity of people who have been on this age group who’re nonetheless driving however don’t have good enough imaginative and prescient to take action. Data confirmed practically one in 4 (24%) car drivers killed in 2024 have been aged 70 or older.

However, people need IDs to entry all types of companies – and with older people doubtlessly letting passports lapse as they go overseas much less on vacation, there are considerations they might be left with none ID. In a parliamentary written query Labour’s Andrew Ranger requested the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander: “What steps the Government is taking to ensure that people aged over 70 who lose their driving licence as a result of medical or eyesight requirements, and who do not hold a valid passport, are able to access an alternative form of official identification that is accepted by banks and other essential services as proof of identity.”

Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport), mentioned the first purpose of a driving licence was to show the individual’s permission to get on the highway – and the ID concern was secondary: “The Government recognises that many people use a driving licence as evidence of identity and that some organisations and businesses accept the photocard driving licence as such. However, the statutory purpose of a driving licence is to convey the licence holder’s entitlement to drive and it is not intended to act as a proof of identity.

“All individuals who hold or apply for a driving licence must meet the minimum health standards required for safe driving. Those who do not meet the medical standards cannot hold or be issued with a driving licence only for identification purposes.

“For those who no longer require a driving licence or those who not qualify, Local Authorities offer a Voter Authority Certificate as another form of photo identity. Although this is a paper document it can be used as photographic proof of identification. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.”

The DfT session might be considered right here. It is in search of views on doubtlessly shifting away from the present self-declaration system for eyesight requirements for drivers aged 70 and over and introducing necessary eyesight checks for older drivers as half of the driving licence renewal course of.

It mentioned: “In Great Britain, the entitlement to drive expires at the age of 70. Once drivers reach 70 years of age, they must renew their driving licence and, thereafter, at most every 3 years. To renew their entitlement, they must make a legal declaration that they can meet the eyesight standards required to drive and confirm whether they have any listed medical conditions.

“Vision is a critical component of safe driving and ensuring that older drivers can meet the minimum standards required for driving directly addresses a key factor in road safety.”

The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists have welcomed the transfer. Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, mentioned: “An introduction of mandatory sight tests for drivers aged over 70 would be a welcome step in improving vision standards for drivers in the UK. But the rules could go further to ensure that UK standards are in alignment to those internationally.

“We are calling for a mandatory requirement for all drivers to submit evidence of an up-to-date sight test at licence application and renewal, every 10 years and then every 3 years from age 70, to align with age-related eye conditions and deterioration in visual function. This would enable early detection and treatment of eye conditions that may be otherwise asymptomatic, and utilises regulated sight tests that are delivered by registered optometrists on the High Street across the UK.”

Adam Sampson, Chief Executive of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) added: “The recent inquest into deaths caused by drivers with eyesight problems laid bare the human cost of inaction. Introducing routine sight tests for drivers is a proportionate and necessary response to ensure fitness to drive – and something that we have been clear about in our calls to Government.”