Results of a research study commissioned by Royal Sun Alliance (RSA) have led the insurer to claim that the current sight test requirement is not 'fit for purpose' and recommend it should be scrapped.
RSA suggested replacing the number plate test with vision tests by a qualified professional prior to provisional driving licence application, saying eye tests should be mandatory every 10 years and linked to photo card licence renewal.
A study led by Dr Mark Young at Brunel University's driver research facility was commissioned by RSA to address what it felt were 'unanswered questions' left by previous research into the impact of eyesight on driving.
Nineteen drivers with 20/20 vision aged between 25 and 45 used a driving simulator and drove a seven-mile route three times with various hazards and obstructions, with three different levels of impaired vision. The study found that visual acuity had a fundamental impact on driver performance in some key areas. When vision was blurred, they struggled to remain in their lane, maintain a consistent speed behind a pace car or read road signs. It also found that visual acuity had a significant impact on drivers' mental workload, which could be managed over a short period of time but posed problems on longer journeys.
RSA recognised that changes to the driving test or licence renewal would need political backing, so polled MPs between March and April 2011. Fifty-seven per cent agreed that an eye test should be mandatory when renewing a driving licence and 51 per cent said they would support legislation to increase provision for eyesight checking on the driving test.
Esther McVey, MP for Wirral West, said: 'We should now question whether it's right that drivers can simply read a number plate aged 17 and carry on driving for the next 50 years without realising that they might need an eye test.'