A 79-year-old driver in south-west England was told she must travel 175 miles to complete a DVLA-approved eyesight test after failing a routine check at a local optician. Without attending the examination, she risks losing her driving licence. The case has drawn attention to how certain eyesight assessments required by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) are only available at a limited number of approved medical centres across the country.
The issue emerged after Sue Roberts, a grandmother of five from Cornwall, attempted to renew the medical clearance needed to continue driving. According to Cornwall Live and other local reports, the nearest DVLA-authorised testing facility initially offered to her was located in Somerset, around 175 miles away. For Roberts and her partner, the requirement would have meant a round trip of roughly 400 miles simply to complete the mandatory eye examination.
Limited availability of DVLA-approved eyesight testing centres
Roberts said she had already undergone an eye test in January at her local Specsavers branch but did not pass the assessment. According to reporting by Birmingham Live, the DVLA subsequently informed her that she would need to take a further test at an agency-approved medical centre.
The DVLA eyesight evaluation includes two primary assessments designed to determine whether a driver’s vision meets legal standards for driving. One of the tests measures visual acuity, requiring the participant to read letters or numbers on a Snellen chart from a distance. This mirrors the legal requirement for drivers in the UK to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away.
A second test evaluates peripheral vision. According to the reports, drivers must look straight ahead into a specialised device while small flashes of light appear at the edges of their visual field. Each time a light is detected, the participant presses a response button.
The reason for the limited number of testing locations lies partly in the equipment required. According to Specsavers, only certain visual field machines meet the technical standards specified by the DVLA, meaning not every optician is able to conduct the approved assessment.
Roberts was informed that there were no DVLA-approved facilities in either Cornwall or Devon, leaving the centre in Somerset as the nearest option. The situation highlighted a logistical challenge for drivers living in more remote parts of the country who require specialised medical assessments.
Rules for older drivers and licence renewal requirements
In the UK, drivers must renew their licence when they reach the age of 70. After that point, renewal is required every three years rather than every ten years as is the case for younger motorists.
During the renewal process, drivers must declare any medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely. According to reports, eyesight issues can trigger further checks if concerns are raised by a GP, optician or through the self-declaration process.
Roberts said maintaining her licence is important for both her independence and that of her 72-year-old partner. She also explained that travelling hundreds of miles for a test would have been particularly difficult given other health concerns.
“If I don’t pass, I’ll hold my hands up and say, ‘Okay, I failed it’. I’ll get on with it. I’ll get on with not being able to drive,” she said. “But I think they can see that it’s not fair. I’m not going to be the only one that this is going to happen to.”
Following the publicity around the case, the DVLA allowed Roberts to take the required test closer to home, although the agency declined to comment further on individual cases. The situation comes amid wider discussions about road safety and ageing drivers. According to recent government announcements, a consultation is currently under way on proposals that could introduce mandatory eyesight checks for drivers over 70 as part of a broader road safety strategy.
