Lower drink drive limits and eye tests for over 70s: What you need to know about the Government's planned driving reforms

For 16 years, I’ve represented people whose lives have been shattered by road traffic collisions. Every case I handle is a stark reminder that road safety isn’t just a legal issue; it’s a public health issue. That’s why the Government’s proposed driving law reforms aren’t just welcome – they’re essential.

What’s changing – The key proposals

The Government is preparing to introduce the most significant overhaul of driving safety in over a decade. The headline proposals include:

• Mandatory eyesight tests for drivers aged over 70 every three years, replacing the current self-declaration system.
• Cognitive checks for older motorists, ensuring drivers retain the mental agility required for safe driving.
• Lower drink-drive limits – the first change since 1967. The UK's drink drive limit is currently the highest in Europe.
• Learner drivers could face a minimum learning period of up to six months to take their practical test after passing a theory test.#
• A broader Road Safety Strategy, aiming to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035.

These measures are in response to latest official figures that show around 1,671 people were killed on UK roads in 2024. In addition, there were 28,804 people seriously injured in crashes that year. This equates to an average of five deaths every day and 79 serious injuries daily across the UK.

Why these changes are necessary

Driving is a complex task requiring sharp vision, quick reactions, and sound judgement. Ageing can affect all three. While most older drivers remain safe and conscientious, the reality is that diminished eyesight and slower cognitive processing increase risk. The current system relies on self-certification – a tick-box exercise that does little to protect the public.

The UK has one of the most relaxed licensing regimes in Europe when it comes to sight standards. Other countries mandate regular professional checks, yet here, drivers over 70 confirm their fitness to drive without any objective assessment. That gap in regulation has consequences – collisions caused by impaired drivers are not rare, and the human cost is devastating.

The human cost – What I see every day

Irwin Mitchell represents individuals who have suffered catastrophic injuries and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one following road traffic collisions. 

These aren’t minor scrapes; they are life-altering events. Just some examples that a momentary lapse – whether due to poor eyesight, slowed reaction times, or impaired judgement – can result in include:

• Severe brain injuries, leaving individuals unable to walk, talk, or live independently.
• Spinal cord damage, causing permanent paralysis.
• Amputations, requiring life-long rehabilitation and prosthetics.

Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a future rewritten in an instant. These proposed changes will not eliminate collisions, but they will reduce preventable tragedies. That is a goal worth pursuing.

Balancing freedom and safety

Driving offers independence, particularly for older people. It enables social connection, access to healthcare, and a sense of autonomy. But that freedom must be balanced against the duty to protect all road users. 

Introducing professional checks ensures that those who hold a licence meet the minimum standards required to drive safely. It’s a safeguard – not a punishment. 

Freedom to drive must never come at the cost of someone else’s life. These reforms strike the right balance between independence and safety.

Conclusion

The Government’s proposals will likely spark debate. Some will argue that these measures are intrusive or discriminatory. I understand those concerns, but I urge policymakers and the public to focus on the bigger picture: saving lives.

These proposed reforms represent a turning point in road safety. They’re not about punishment; they’re about prevention. They will save lives, reduce suffering, and make our roads safer for everyone. That is a goal we should all support and that is why these changes matter.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting seriously injured road users access specialist rehabilitation and families affected by the loss of a loves one access specialist support at our dedicated road traffic collisions section.