Older drivers warned over little-known DVLA rule 'they're unaware they're breaking'

Elderly drivers may be "unaware" that their vision has deteriorated as calls for law changes continue. Research from the Association of Optometrists (AOP) found that many medical professionals are concerned about the rising number of people with poor eyesight.

New research from eye experts echo these findings, with six in 10 optometrists having seen a patient in the last month who continues to drive despite their vision being below the legal standard – a sharp rise, up from four in 10 five years ago.

Half of these (51%) report having multiple patients breaking the law. While nearly one in five Britons (19%) say they have had a collision either as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist with a motorist they believe had poor vision.

READ MORE New 50 per cent energy bill social tariff could replace £300 Winter Fuel Payments

Almost a third (29%) of motorists admit they would continue to drive despite knowing their vision is below the legal standard. The Association of Optometrists is calling on the Department for Transport to make a long overdue change to the inadequate number plate test, first introduced in 1937.

MPs will today be petitioned by the Association of Optometrists to take action. The Association of Optometrists is providing advice on how to approach difficult conversations with friends and family who they think are driving with poor vision.

Professor Julie-Anne Little, past chairman of the AOP and research optometrist said: "Sight changes are gradual which means that many drivers are unaware that their vision has deteriorated over time. But having poor eyesight has been shown to slow reaction times and the ability to drive safely - and it doesn't take much for one mistake to result in a serious collision with catastrophic consequences."

Professor Little added: "As an optometrist, I’ve sometimes had to sit down with a patient to explain that their vision is simply no longer good enough to drive. It is a difficult conversation, but one that is absolutely necessary – preventing them from putting themselves and others at risk.

"Which is why we’re urging friends and family to take the time to consider what they want to say, approach it with respect but to tackle the conversation if they have concerns over a relative or someone they know who is driving with poor vision."

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets strict eyesight rules to ensure drivers can see well enough to drive safely.