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Fail eye test - lose licence?

MegaSteve said:
When my lad got knocked off his cycle recently[ish] plod didn't have anyone available to attend the scene...
Wasn't prioritised as he was 'only walking wounded' and there wasn't a debate of who was at fault...
So, how are they going to find time to do arbitrary checks?
Click to expand...

I thought they would just carry it out when you've been stopped for any reason, faulty lights, wrong turn etc etc, anything really and if Mr/Mrs Plod thought it worth doing they's ask you to read a number plate too
Not any special stops just for eye tests
 
Personally think it’s a great idea, however, if they can take drivers off the road immediately, why can’t they suspend/remove the licences of those caught without insurance or over the limit until they appear in court.
 
For those who think it’s a bit harsh immediately revoking the licence, where would the police officer who allowed the driver to continue stand when the driver they let go hit and kills someone?

For those that think that wouldn’t happen google Gary Mason and read a little bit about the accident that killed him.

The only issue I have with the eyesight standard is that it isn’t strong enough.
 
Slab said:
I thought they would just carry it out when you've been stopped for any reason, faulty lights, wrong turn etc etc, anything really and if Mr/Mrs Plod thought it worth doing they's ask you to read a number plate too
Not any special stops just for eye tests
Click to expand...


That's relieving to hear as I was considering dyeing my beard and donning a wig as I fall within the 'target market'...
Still think this could/should be done with 'proper' eye tests rather than wait for an incident...

My mates licence was revoked when diagnosed with parkinsons for example...

And, how do you address folk with perfect eyesight yet fail to see hi-vis jackets as they are not focusing on driving as they should be....
 
It’s hard understand how this is a negative. I do find it strange that you basically self certify eyesight. My dad had cataracts removed from both eyes in the past month. No requirement for him to see an optometrist frankly ludicrous. I get my eyes checked every 12 months can’t understand why anyone wearing glasses/contacts wouldn’t.
 
I find losing your license a bit draconian, as it does not mention how long for. Probably a typical over reaction from the press. I am sure this will be a rare event, used for exceptional circumstances. Obviously the driver should have to prove they can see to get back in the car, but if it just involves getting your glasses from home, why the license removal? A temporary ban would suffice.
 
My German license which is valid forever, and it lets me drive in the uk until I am 70 or here for 3 years, whatever is later, and doesn’t state that I have to wear glasses. (Rules might change depending on Brexit) This is all based on an eye test I took 25 years ago.

The rules are way to soft. I haven’t driven a yard without putting on my glasses for 20 of those years, just got new ones earlier this year.

While the rules are too soft drivers should take responsibility themselves as well.

The problems are that people don’t realise a gradual slow shift. You get used to slightly blurry, it is the new normal. I would be in favour of a compulsory retest every x years.
 
MegaSteve said:
When my lad got knocked off his cycle recently[ish] plod didn't have anyone available to attend the scene...
Wasn't prioritised as he was 'only walking wounded' and there wasn't a debate of who was at fault...
So, how are they going to find time to do arbitrary checks?
Click to expand...
They already do them , I was stopped in a routine check last week it would take seconds to test if you can read a licence number plate at 20yds
 
I applaud the decision and think any way of making the roads safer is a positive step forward. If I was playing devils advocate (purely for the sake of debate) what happens if the police stop a mother with two small kids in the car in rain in the dark. What happens to them with the immediate ban. I would assume common sense prevails and they would all get taken to the sanctuary of a police station but would that actually be the case?
 
Yes. The police would not leave vulnerable people alone on a dark night. At a guess, one officer drives them home, the other drives the car to a station / compound.
 
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