Mandatory eye tests and mobility scooters

[Flying Bomb]

When the mandatory eye tests for the over 75 comes in, many will fail it, so sell their car and get a mobility scooter even though not physically disabled.
But the Govmt decrees that this is not allowed.
Lets hope they change the law to allow banned car users
to use scooters lawfully

[GrannyMac]

Wouldn't it be dangerous to use a mobility scooter if our eyesight is poor? My OH, 80, has just had his tested, and it's fine with glasses.  Mine was tested last year, it's fine too.  We continue to drive, but far less than previously. 

[JBR]

To be honest, poor eyesight it important for driving a car or even riding a motorcycle, for obvious reasons.

I'm not sure, though, about mobility scooters.  I suppose they are relatively small and light and therefore are less likely to injure someone, though I suppose that they could cause an accident on the road even when simply crossing it.

[klondike]

The highway code definition of the eyesight required to drive is imo very low. A car numberplate at 20m should certainly not be a challenge and if I couldn't meet that I think I'd likely voluntarily not drive.

I wasn't aware of any eyesight requirement for mobility scooters but as they travel far slower than cars there is a lot more time to avoid a collision so I would expect it to be less stringent than the requirement for a car.

JBR - mobility scooters can be quite heavy and I don't think I'd regard being hit by one trivial. TBH though they aren't the threat to pedestrians here - cycles and electric scooters all use the path and are a lot faster. Some riders seem to think it's up to you to get out of their way. Mind you some on mobility scooters do too.

[Mups]

More info here about us oldies and driving:


https://olderdriversforum.com/new-road-safety-strategy-information-for-mature-and-older-drivers/

[Flying Bomb]

For those who think there is no eyesight requirement to drive a mobility scooter should read this government site.  You should be able to read a car number plate at 40 feet

https://www.gov.uk/mobility-scooters-and-powered-wheelchairs-rules/eyesight-requirements

[klondike]

Fair enough but currently there is no licence and no enforcement is there?

[Alex]

I'm just about to renew my driving licence.  They sent me a form through the post as my 3 years are up in May, but I'm going to do it on line - fingers crossed.

[Mups]

I'm just about to renew my driving licence.  They sent me a form through the post as my 3 years are up in May, but I'm going to do it on line - fingers crossed.

Be vigilant, Alex,  as apparently there a lot of scammers pretending to be DVLA.


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvlas-top-tips-for-avoiding-scams

[Alex]

Be vigilant, Alex,  as apparently there a lot of scammers pretending to be DVLA.


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvlas-top-tips-for-avoiding-scams

I've just spent what turned into an hour trying to renew my licence.  There's a new system, nightmare.

[klondike]

I'm surprised. The DVLA car tax is usually good. I think I renewed my licence last time by post as they only supported photo update if you had a current passport and I don't any longer.

[Alex]

I'm surprised. The DVLA car tax is usually good. I think I renewed my licence last time by post as they only supported photo update if you had a current passport and I don't any longer.

I've never had a problem renewing my road tax Klondy, I did it in December without a hitch.
 Just spotted someone on Gransnet having the same problems as me phew !  then someone added 'if you think renewing over 70 on line is bad, wait till you need to do the over 80 renew'