Drivers ignore advice of eye experts

Motorists should face compulsory sight tests every 10 years, eye experts have said.

More than a third (35%) of optometrists have seen patients in the last month who continue to drive despite being told their vision is below the legal standard, according to the Association of Optometrists (AOP).

There is no mandatory eye exam apart from having to read a number plate on a parked vehicle at the start of the practical driving test.

This means a 17-year-old may continue to drive for the rest of their life with no further checks.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “If a driver experiences changes to their eyesight or has a condition which may affect their driving, they must make the DVLA aware of this.”