Pressure is mounting on older drivers, with fresh demands for over-80s to be completely banned from the roads. Labour is looking into the introduction of mandatory eyesight checks for drivers above the age of 70 in a bid to boost road safety.
However, motorists have now suggested this may not be far enough, with calls now emerging for motorists above the age of 80 to lose their driving licence and be taken off the roads. A new poll from ChooseMyCar.com has found that a whopping 38% of respondents believe people over the age of 80 should be stopped from driving altogether.
The survey of 2,000 people conducted in January 2026 shows that support is strongest among the younger generations. A breakdown of the poll found that 53% of both Gen Z (18-29) and Millennials (30-45) would back a total over-80s ban.
Nick Zapolski, motoring expert and founder of ChooseMyCar.com explained there was an “increased risk” of developing health issues such as poor eyesight in older age.
“While many older drivers remain safe and capable on the roads, our research shows that millions of Brits are concerned about older people driving.
“Older age can bring about an increased risk of medical issues, such as bad eyesight, which can have an impact on driving ability. As we get older, it's important that checks are done to ensure we remain safe on the roads, which is why it's important to implement rules and laws to check.
“With new measures being introduced, it demonstrates that road safety remains a priority to the government, allowing motorists to maintain independence as they age while also keeping the road as safe as possible.”
New eyesight checks for over-70s could come into effect later this year and would be one of the most significant road overhauls for years. The UK remains the only country in Europe to issue driving licences without mandatory visual checks for older road users.
HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, Dr James Adeley, branded the UK's licence system the 'laxest in Europe' after ruling on the deaths of four people killed by motorists with impaired eyesight.
It means the introduction of any new measures would bring the UK into line with the standards of other European countries.
