Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleRebecca WhittakerWednesday 12 August 2026 11:05 BSTA UK driving licence shown beside a counterpart driving licence (Anthony Devlin/PA) (PA Wire)Viral social media claims incorrectly alleged that drivers over 70 would be required to retake their driving tests under new rules.Under the actual proposals, drivers aged 70 and over will not face a full retest but will undergo mandatory eyesight checks every three years to renew their licence.The proposed measures, originally developed as part of a road safety strategy, replace the current self-declaration process for driver vision standards.Ministers are also considering a minimum six-month learning period between theory and practical tests for learner drivers to improve road safety.The proposed learner restrictions aim to reduce road accidents among drivers under 25, who were involved in 24 per cent of fatal and serious collisions in 2024.In fullWhat are the proposed driving licence changes and when would they happen?More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in